The Jeff-alytics Podcast

Today, Jeff talks with Atlantic County prosecutor William Reynolds about building an efficient, effective, and fair criminal justice system in one of the most interesting places in America: Atlantic City. This conversation explores the significant reduction in homicides in Atlantic County from 2012 to 2025, highlighting the strategies and reforms implemented to achieve this decline. The discussion...

In this engaging conversation, former Bureau of Justice Statistics director Alex Piquero shares his journey from playing in a rock band to becoming a prominent figure in criminology and the Bureau of Justice Statistics. We chat about the importance of crime data, particularly the National Crime Victimization Survey, and the challenges of public perception versus reality in crime trends. Piquero al...

This was a banner year for the Jeff-alytics universe and it's time to recap it! In this episode, host Jeff Asher reflects on three conversations this year that really resonated. This episode highlights the gap between public perception and actual data and emphasizes the need for diverse perspectives in shaping our understanding of crime and public safety. The episode features insights from va...

In this conversation, Jeff Asher and Ifetayo Harvey explore the misconceptions surrounding crime trends, the importance of context in data interpretation, and the stigma associated with drug use. They discuss the need for policymakers to experience the realities of justice-impacted families and the significance of using person-first language. Additionally, Jeff and Ifetayo highlight gaps in data c...

In this episode of the Jeff-alytics Podcast, Paul Krugman discusses his extensive background in economics, the challenges of communicating economic realities, and the discrepancies between public perception and actual data. He emphasizes the role of media in shaping these perceptions and the impact of social media on public trust in data. Krugman also reflects on the importance of success stories...

In this episode of the Jeff-alytics Podcast, Ganesha Martin, Esq. shares her unique journey from law to policing, reflecting on her experiences in Baltimore and Minneapolis. She discusses the challenges and opportunities in police reform, emphasizing community engagement, the role of consent decrees, and the importance of addressing public perceptions of crime and safety. Ganesha also highlights t...

In this conversation, Dr. Susan Parker discusses her work at the intersection of health and crime, focusing on NIBRS (the National Incident-Based Reporting System) and its implications for understanding crime data. She explains the complexities of crime reporting, the innovative uses of NIBRS data in research, and the challenges agencies face in implementing this new system. The discussion also to...

In this conversation, Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner discusses his journey to office, the innovative use of data in criminal justice, and the importance of community engagement. He emphasizes the need for transparency, the role of prevention and forensics in reducing crime, and the challenges posed by political narratives around crime.  Krasner shares insights on how his office has a...

In this conversation, Whitney Westerfield shares his journey as a state senator and his insights into criminal justice policy. He discusses the importance of data in shaping legislation, his experiences as a prosecutor, and the challenges of balancing victim needs with effective criminal justice reform.  Whitney reflects on his proudest legislative achievements, including juvenile justice reform a...

In this episode, Jeff Asher and Anna Harvey discuss the Jail Data Initiative , a groundbreaking project improving the way we collect and analyze data on jail populations.  Anna explains the challenges of data collection, why understanding jail populations is essential for meaningful reform, and how accurate data can shape criminal justice policies. The discussion also explores the need for stronge...

In this conversation, Jeff Asher and writer Philip Bump discuss the disconnect between public perception of crime and real crime statistics. Philip explores how media narratives, political agendas, and societal fears shape these perceptions, often leading to the misconception that crime is rising even when data shows otherwise. Together, they explore the role of technology and social media in ampl...

In this episode, Jeff Asher speaks with Laura Arnold, founder and co-chair of Arnold Ventures , about the significant gap between crime data and public perception—and what it means for public policy. Laura shares her journey into philanthropy and how Arnold Ventures is working to drive data-driven, systemic solutions in the criminal justice system. Together, they explore the challenges of presenti...

In this conversation, Michael Lewis and Jeff Asher delve into the complexities of crime trends and the role of data in shaping public perception.  They discuss the challenges of effectively communicating crime statistics, the importance of storytelling in data analysis, and the impact of social media on crime trends.  The conversation underscores the importance of accurate crime data in informing...

Can data uncover the real story of crime and criminal justice in America? Jeff Asher —nationally recognized crime data analyst, co-founder of AH Datalytics, co-creator of the Real-Time Crime Index, and author of the Jeff-alytics newsletter—sits down with policymakers, academics, journalists, and everyday people to reveal what the numbers actually show.  Each episode challenges the myths we believe...