Thaddeus Johnson

Thaddeus Johnson is an assistant professor in Georgia State University’s Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology at the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies. A former police commander in Memphis, Tennessee, he combines practical experience with scholarly research on police reforms, predictive bias, and racial disparities in criminal justice outcomes. His work has been featured in TIME magazine, and he has received multiple accolades, including the 2025 W.E.B. Du Bois Award and the 2023 Dean’s Early Career Award.

• Ph.D. in Criminal Justice and Criminology (2020), Georgia State University

Research Interests

• Police reforms and accountability
• Predictive bias in law enforcement
• Racial disparities in justice systems
• Public policy and social equity

Scientific Awards

• 2025 W.E.B. Du Bois Award
• 2023 Ignite Award
• 2023 Dean’s Early Career Award
• Second Century Initiative Fellowship

Johson serves as a senior fellow at the Council on Criminal Justice. His scholarship bridges historical context, contemporary policy, and practical law enforcement challenges, advocating for data-driven reforms and racial equity.