Steven Bennett

Steven Bennett is an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Criminology, Law and Society at George Mason University. With a career spanning 23 years in the FBI, he retired as Chief of the Violence Reduction Unit, overseeing the Active Shooter Response Program. Prior roles included Safe Streets Task Force Coordinator, Special Agent Assessor, and operational leadership at the Terrorist Screening Center. Before the FBI, he served as a police sergeant in Springfield, IL. His expertise lies at the intersection of law enforcement, public policy, and property rights. Bennett holds an MS in Management and Organizational Behavior from Benedictine University and a BA in Legal Studies from the University of Illinois-Springfield.

Research interests focus on regulatory takings jurisprudence, property rights protection, urban development, and municipal governance. His work explores legal frameworks balancing private property rights with community needs, emphasizing constitutional interpretation and public policy implications. Bennett has contributed to landmark discussions on eminent domain, environmental regulation, and affordable housing strategies.

Awarded the United States Attorneys Office Director’s Award and FBI Director’s High Impact Leadership Award, his career reflects dedication to both operational excellence and scholarly contributions. Bennett’s publications address topics like the Contract Clause, urban densification, and judicial review of land-use regulations, reflecting his dual background in law enforcement and academia.

He advises on matters related to law enforcement strategy and property rights, with grants focused on advancing judicial understanding of regulatory impacts. Affiliated with George Mason’s Criminology programs, Bennett bridges practical experience with theoretical analysis in criminal justice policy.