Research Program
Three interconnected research pillars — experimental studies, field research, and decision science — advancing the empirical understanding of policing.
Controlled trials and laboratory research
Experimental designs — including randomized controlled trials — to isolate causal mechanisms in policing phenomena. This pillar includes the first empirical test of the contagious fire thesis and ongoing work on police decision-making under controlled laboratory conditions.
Applied research in operational settings
Observational and quasi-experimental research conducted in partnership with law enforcement agencies in real-world operational environments. This work bridges the gap between laboratory findings and the complex realities of policing, producing actionable insights for agencies and policymakers.
Neuroscience and cognitive research in policing
An emerging research program applying neuroscience methods — particularly functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) — to examine the neural mechanisms underlying police officer decision-making under threat, connecting cognitive science with operational training and policy.
Featured Facility
A dedicated research facility for studying police decision-making using fNIRS neuroimaging, simulation technology, and physiological monitoring.