Gene Paoline

Gene Paoline, Ph.D., is a Professor and Chair in the Department of Criminal Justice at the University of Central Florida's College of Community Innovation and Education. His research focuses on police culture, use of force, criminal justice theory, and systemic observation methods. He has held significant academic leadership roles within the university's criminal justice program.

Key research interests include police mentorship dynamics, gender disparities in policing environments, and the intersection of technology (e.g., body-worn cameras) with officer attitudes. His work often examines how institutional culture impacts decision-making, training outcomes, and occupational stressors.

Recent articles highlight trends such as the impact of media scrutiny on policing behavior, racial/ethnic disparities in police academy completion rates, and the psychological effects of workplace environments on officers. These studies emphasize systemic challenges within law enforcement structures and potential solutions for cultural reform.

Paoline has contributed to national-level analyses of police training curricula and jail staff perceptions of safety. His interdisciplinary approach bridges criminal justice theory with practical applications, addressing both academic and practitioner audiences through collaborative research initiatives.