Ragan Downey

Ragan Downey is an Assistant Teaching Professor at the School of Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, and Security, University of Southern Mississippi. Previously, he worked for Pine Belt Mental Healthcare Resources as a project/grant evaluator and staff development coordinator. He also volunteers as an instructor at the Southern Regional Public Safety Institute, focusing on mental health, crisis management, and verbal de-escalation training for law enforcement agencies.

• Education: PhD in Criminal Justice, Methods & Statistics (University of Southern Mississippi, 2014)
• MA in Criminal Justice (University of Southern Mississippi, 2007)
• BA in Criminal Justice (Mississippi State University, 1999)

His research interests include justice policy planning, curriculum development, and data analysis. His publications explore topics such as HIV/AIDS prevention in Mississippi, generational impacts on correctional staff well-being, and gender dynamics in policing. He teaches courses ranging from criminal justice theory to ethics and modern corrections.

He actively contributes to public safety education through volunteer training programs, emphasizing practical skills for law enforcement and correctional professionals.