The problem with experimental criminology: A response to Sherman’s ‘Evidence and Liberty’

Abstract

This article is a response to Sherman (2009) and argues that experimental criminology ought to clearly acknowledge the political aspect of much crime research, and expand the timeframe of research involvement in policy making if it is to bring the liberty promised. Failure to do so can lead to a fundamental misconception that experimental criminology is somehow divorced from the political realities that inscribe it, and to possible unintended consequences in the deployment of policy. The example of use of the so-called ‘stop and frisk’ crime policy in Philadelphia is used to examine Sherman’s claims.