Caitlin G. Lynch

Dr. Caitlin G. Lynch is an Associate Professor of Sociology and Criminology at Eastern Illinois University (EIU), where she has been a faculty member since 2017. She serves as co-advisor (with Dr. Mari Kita) of the Criminal Justice Club and teaches courses such as Introduction to Criminal Justice, Sociology of Deviant Behavior, Victimology, and Policing Society: A Sociological Analysis. Her research focuses on police and society, crime and social inequality, and criminal justice reform, with a current emphasis on partnerships between police and social workers during mental health emergencies to reduce police violence against people in crisis.

• Education: Ph.D. (2017) and M.S. (2012) in Criminology, B.A. (2008) in Sociology

Dr. Lynch’s publications span topics including police-social worker collaboration, criminal justice reform, and the sociological implications of policing practices. Her work has appeared in journals such as the Journal of Police and Criminal Psychology and Contemporary Justice Review. Prior to academia, she worked as a California police officer for four years in youth services, investigations, and tactical enforcement roles.

Her research trends highlight interdisciplinary approaches to policing ethics, crisis intervention models, and systemic inequalities in criminal justice systems. She has presented at major conferences like the American Society of Criminology and Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, focusing on mental health solutions, gender dynamics in policing, and historical analysis of police violence.

• Key Courses: CRM 1829, CRM/SOC 2780, CRM 3049, CRM 3069, CRM/SOC 3780