Barry Latzer

Mr. Latzer is an emeritus professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, CUNY. His most recent book is The Rise and Fall of Violent Crime in America; his forthcoming book is a history of violent crime before 1940.

The Latest

NR PLUS Magazine

The Need to Discuss Black-on-Black Crime

By Barry Latzer December 5, 2019

In defense of a term.

Politics & Policy

The War on Prosecutors

By Barry Latzer May 15, 2019

Critics overestimate DAs’ role in ‘mass incarceration.’

NR PLUS Magazine

Michelle Alexander Is Wrong about Mass Incarceration

By Barry Latzer April 4, 2019

The criminal-justice system is not racist, and confining people is necessary.

Politics & Policy

Is the Crime Boom Over? Even After Chicago?

By Barry Latzer August 11, 2018

Data from other cities suggest that the murder uptick that started in 2015 is tapering off.

Law & the Courts

Brett Kavanaugh and the Supreme Court’s Fourth Amendment Mess

By Barry Latzer July 18, 2018

Privacy protections should mostly be left to legislatures.

Politics & Policy

An Enduring Error

By Barry Latzer April 21, 2018

It’s clear that the Kerner report’s explanation of the riots and its prediction about increased racial segregation were wrong.

NR PLUS Magazine

Let Them Wear Bracelets

By Barry Latzer March 1, 2018

How electronic monitoring can reduce the incarcerated population and keep the public safe.

Politics & Policy

Electronic Monitoring Can Be a Boon to Criminal-Justice Reform

By Barry Latzer December 7, 2017

GPS monitoring is the only criminal-justice reform that is proven effective, can reduce incarceration, and will also keep the public safe.