Jacinta Gau

Jacinta Gau is a Professor in the Department of Criminal Justice at the University of Central Florida (UCF), part of the College of Community Innovation and Education. Her work focuses on police-community dynamics, procedural justice, and racial disparities in policing. She holds a Ph.D. and has authored over 50 peer-reviewed articles since 2008, addressing topics such as body-worn camera adoption, police legitimacy, and the impact of negative media scrutiny on officer behavior.

Her research emphasizes organizational reforms, officer well-being, and the intersection of race/gender with law enforcement practices. Notable contributions include studies on Hispanic/Latino police experiences, female officers’ workplace perceptions, and the role of mentorship in policing. She serves as a key advisor on criminal justice policy and frequently collaborates with law enforcement agencies to bridge theoretical insights with practical application.

Recent work explores how procedural justice principles can mitigate tensions between marginalized communities and police, while her 2025 studies address STEM equity and organizational authenticity in academia. Gau’s research spans both domestic and international contexts, including analyses of wildlife rangers’ legitimacy in Africa/Asia.