Shannon Dodd

Shannon Dodd is a Senior Lecturer in Criminology at the Thomas More Law School, part of the Faculty of Law and Business at Australian Catholic University. Their research focuses on criminal justice policy, mental health in corrections, Indigenous justice issues, and parole systems. Dodd has contributed extensively to understanding police use of force, youth offending, and the intersection of disability and imprisonment.

Key research interests include forensic investigations of fatal police encounters involving individuals with mental illness, crime prevention strategies targeting Indigenous youth, and the systemic challenges faced by formerly incarcerated people with disabilities. Their work integrates qualitative and quantitative methods, often collaborating with correctional services and community organizations.

Recent projects include evaluating initiatives to reduce joyriding, analyzing coronial inquest findings on police conduct, and exploring correctional officers’ use of body-worn cameras. Dodd’s publications highlight critical gaps in policy implementation, particularly regarding marginalized populations, and advocate for more empathetic criminal justice practices.

Publications span journals like Current Issues in Criminal Justice and International Journal for Crime, Justice and Social Democracy. While no awards are explicitly listed, their research has influenced policy discussions on parole reform, prison conditions, and youth justice frameworks. Collaborations include work with the Australian Catholic University and Queensland Corrective Services.