Heather Jeffries

Heather Jeffries is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of San Francisco. Prior to her academic role, she spent 25 years in the Allen County criminal justice system, serving as Chief Investigator at the Allen County Prosecutor’s Office and a Case Manager/Field Officer with the Allen County Drug Court Program. She conducted a recidivism study for the Drug Court Program and consulted for Allen County Community Corrections.

Research & Awards: Her work focuses on Problem Solving Courts (especially Drug Courts), domestic violence, sexual assault awareness, first responder mental health, and drug/alcohol education for youth. She has received numerous awards, including the LeePoxy Teaching Excellence Award and the Franciscan Values Award. Her Criminologists in Action Club has been honored twice with the Excellence in Service Engagement Student Organization Award.

Community Engagement: Jeffries collaborates with organizations like the FWPD Victim Assistance Program, Sexual Assault Treatment Center, and YWCA Women’s Shelter to run awareness campaigns on domestic violence, impaired driving, and sexual assault. She emphasizes practical, service-oriented initiatives in her teaching and mentorship.