Lucas M. Alward

Lucas M. Alward is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Criminal Justice at Boise State University, where he began in 2022. His academic background includes a Ph.D. from the University of Central Florida, an M.A. in Political Science, and a B.A. in Criminal Justice from California State University, Chico.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Criminology/Criminal Justice from University of Central Florida
• M.A. in Political Science from California State University, Chico
• B.A. in Criminal Justice from California State University, Chico

Dr. Alward's research focuses on community and institutional corrections, procedural justice and legitimacy, prisoner re-entry and desistance, and evidence-based practices implementation. His work addresses critical issues including probation officer burnout, pandemic impacts on community supervision, and procedural justice's relationship to recidivism and mental health outcomes in correctional settings.

Analysis of his 2024-2025 publications reveals consistent emphasis on procedural justice dynamics within community corrections, utilizing mixed-methods approaches including longitudinal studies and qualitative analysis. His research examines organizational factors affecting officer well-being, fairness perceptions in supervision relationships, and evidence-based strategies for reducing recidivism while addressing public health concerns in carceral environments.

Dr. Alward serves as a reviewer for leading journals including Justice Quarterly, Journal of Criminal Justice, and Criminal Justice and Behavior. He actively participates in professional organizations through memberships in the American Society of Criminology (including the Division on Corrections and Sentencing) and the Academy of Criminal Justice Science.

His collaborative research network spans multiple institutions, focusing on interdisciplinary criminal justice reform initiatives. Current projects address post-pandemic supervision adaptations, officer-client relationship dynamics, and the intersection of procedural justice with mental health outcomes in correctional populations.