Joel Caplan

Joel Caplan is Professor at Rutgers University School of Criminal Justice, serving as Director of the Master's Program and Co-Director of the Rutgers Center on Public Security. His research develops evidence-based policing strategies through spatial analysis and Risk Terrain Modeling (RTM).

Research focuses on crime pattern diagnostics using GIS mapping and environmental criminology. RTM methodology connects crime locations to contextual features for predictive policing applications. Recent work examines drug overdose patterns, officer-involved shootings, and place-based violence prevention.

Publications demonstrate interdisciplinary approaches combining criminology, public health, and data science. Article trends show increasing focus on health-crime intersections and spatial justice implications in urban environments.