CCJ Directory

Professor Sherman began his career in police research in 1971 as an analyst for the New York City Police Department. He has conducted field research in more than 30 police agencies across five continents, testing the effectiveness of policies to prevent violent crime and help victims. His studies of police use of deadly force have been cited in two decisions of the US Supreme Court, and his Cambridge Crime Harm Index has been adopted in England, Sweden, Australia and five other countries. His work has been recognized with honorary doctorates or medals from five universities, and a 2016 Knighthood from the King of Sweden. In 2020-2022 he chaired the US National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine Committee on Evidence to Advance Reform in the Global Security and Justice Sectors, which issued five reports on promoting the rule of law, police legitimacy, training and minimizing the use of force.

Widely regarded as the founder of evidence-based policing, Professor Sherman led the Cambridge University Police Executive Master’s Degree Program from 2007-2022. In October 2022 he was appointed the first Chief Scientific Officer of the Metropolitan Police in London. At Cambridge he now serves pro bono as Wolfson Professor of Criminology Emeritus.