James Frank

James Frank is a Professor in the School of Criminal Justice at the University of Cincinnati. He holds a Ph.D. from Michigan State University (1993), a J.D. from Ohio Northern University (1977), and earlier degrees from the University of Cincinnati. His research focuses on police behavior, officer decision-making, citizen attitudes toward policing, sentencing disparities, and wrongful conviction. Frank has led numerous federally and state-funded projects examining technology in policing, officer recruitment, and community strategies.

Education:

• Ph.D., Criminal Justice and Criminology (Michigan State University, 1993)
• J.D. (Ohio Northern University College of Law, 1977)
• M.S., Criminal Justice (University of Cincinnati, 1983)
• B.A., American History (University of Cincinnati, 1974)

Research Interests: Dr. Frank’s work addresses systemic challenges in policing, including racial disparities in traffic stops, the impact of non-emergency call systems, and the implementation of problem-solving strategies. His studies also explore juror understanding of death penalty instructions and collateral consequences of convictions. He has published widely in journals like Justice Quarterly, Police Quarterly, and Criminology and Public Policy.

Grants & Awards: Frank has secured over $3 million in grants from agencies like the National Institute of Justice and U.S. Department of Justice. Notable honors include the 2011 Michigan State University Alumni Wall of Fame and the 1997 University of Cincinnati Faculty Achievement Award.

Service & Leadership: He served as President of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (2013) and held editorial roles at Police Quarterly and Policing: An International Journal. His service spans university committees, professional organizations, and criminal justice policy advisory roles.