Alexander L. Burton

Alexander L. Burton is an Assistant Professor in the Criminology and Criminal Justice Program at the University of Texas at Dallas within the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences, focusing on corrections and criminal justice policy since 2022.

His academic credentials include:

• PhD in Criminal Justice from University of Cincinnati (2022)
• MS in Criminal Justice from University of Cincinnati (2017)
• BS in Justice Administration from Southwest Minnesota State University (2015)

Dr. Burton's research centers on institutional/community corrections, criminal justice personnel training, public opinion dynamics, and school/gun policy. He investigates how penal sensibilities shape policy preferences using experimental methods, revealing declining public punitiveness and nuanced attitudes toward mass incarceration and gun registries. His work bridges academic theory with practical correctional administration challenges.

His 2024-2025 publications demonstrate consistent focus on correctional officer behavior, public policy support, and collateral consequences. Publishing in Criminology, Justice Quarterly, and Criminology & Public Policy, he examines military-to-corrections pipelines, officer strain, and dehumanization reduction strategies through collaborative work with leading scholars like Cullen and Pickett.

Professionally active, he serves on NYC Department of Correction's Curriculum Review Committee and participates in American Society of Criminology divisions (Public Opinion & Policy; Corrections and Sentencing) alongside American Correctional Association membership.