James Densley

James Densley is a professor and department chair of criminology and criminal justice at Metro State University, where he has served since 2011. He is internationally recognized for co-creating The Violence Project, the largest comprehensive database of mass shooters in the United States, and has authored nine books including the award-winning The Violence Project: How to Stop a Mass Shooting Epidemic.

Education:

• Doctor of Philosophy, Sociology, University of Oxford, Saint Antony's College
• Master of Science, Sociology, University of Oxford, Saint Antony's College
• Master of Science for Teachers, Childhood Education, Pace University, New York
• Bachelor of Arts, Sociology with American Studies, University College Northampton

Densley's research spans criminology and criminal justice with specialized expertise in gang dynamics, mass shooting epidemiology, violence prevention strategies, and policing practices. His interdisciplinary approach combines sociological theory with practical policy applications, resulting in over 60 peer-reviewed articles and frequent contributions to major media outlets including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and TIME magazine. His work on social media gang identification and data-driven violence prevention has significantly influenced academic discourse and policy discussions.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on understanding systemic issues within criminal justice, particularly racial disparities in law enforcement practices and evidence-based approaches to gang intervention. His research increasingly incorporates psychological and public health perspectives to address complex violence patterns, with growing focus on school safety and police-community relations. The interdisciplinary nature of his work demonstrates how criminology intersects with sociology, psychology, and public policy.

Scientific Awards:

• 2022: Minnesota Book Award (General Nonfiction)
• 2019: Metro State's first "University Scholar"
• 2017: UK Prime Minister's Points of Light Award for "outstanding individual volunteers"
• 2013: National Gang Crime Research Center's Frederick Milton Thrasher Award for "superior accomplishments in gang research"

As department chair since 2011, Densley has developed and taught numerous courses spanning the criminal justice curriculum from introductory to graduate levels. His leadership extends to directing the Public Safety and Police Science Center, where he has secured research funding and developed practical training programs. His grant work with The Violence Project has enabled extensive data collection on mass shootings and informed evidence-based prevention strategies adopted by law enforcement agencies nationwide.

Densley leads The Violence Project research initiative housed at Metro State University, which maintains the most comprehensive U.S. mass shooting database. His team's work includes analyzing shooter backgrounds, developing threat assessment protocols, and creating prevention resources used by schools, law enforcement, and mental health professionals across the country.