Why Researchers Choose Crime & Delinquency for High-Impact Publications
Crime & Delinquency stands as a cornerstone in the field of police and public safety, offering researchers a platform to disseminate influential studies on criminal behavior, justice systems, and societal impacts. Established in 1955 by SAGE Publications, this peer-reviewed journal has built a reputation for rigorous scholarship that bridges theory and practice in criminology. With a focus on empirical research, it attracts contributions from sociologists, legal scholars, and policy experts worldwide, particularly those in the United States where much of its foundational work originates.
The journal's scope encompasses a wide array of topics, from policing strategies and delinquency prevention to the socioeconomic factors influencing crime rates. Its impact factor of 3.8, as reported in the 2022 Journal Citation Reports by Clarivate, underscores its influence, placing it among the top outlets for criminal justice research. Researchers value Crime & Delinquency for its commitment to open dialogue on controversial issues, such as racial disparities in law enforcement and rehabilitation programs. The hybrid publication model allows authors to choose traditional subscription access or open access, enhancing global reach without compromising quality.
Publishing here not only elevates an author's academic profile but also contributes to real-world policy changes. Studies featured often inform law enforcement training and legislative reforms, making submissions particularly rewarding for those aiming to effect change. The editorial process emphasizes methodological soundness and theoretical innovation, ensuring that accepted papers withstand scrutiny from interdisciplinary peers.
For scholars navigating the competitive landscape of academic publishing, Crime & Delinquency offers a reliable avenue for high-impact work. Its long-standing indexing in major databases like Scopus and Web of Science guarantees visibility. Whether exploring urban crime patterns or juvenile justice reforms, contributors find a welcoming venue that amplifies their voice in police and public safety discourse. To advance your career, consider aligning your next project with this journal's standards and explore higher ed jobs in criminology.
Overview & History
Crime & Delinquency was founded in 1955 as a quarterly publication dedicated to advancing knowledge in criminology and criminal justice. Initially sponsored by the National Council on Crime and Delinquency, it transitioned under SAGE Publications in 1965, solidifying its position as a key resource for police and public safety research. Over decades, the journal has evolved to reflect shifting societal concerns, from mid-20th-century focus on juvenile delinquency to contemporary analyses of mass incarceration and community policing.
Key milestones include the introduction of special issues on topics like cybercrime in the 2000s and racial justice following high-profile events in the 2010s. Today, it publishes four issues per year, featuring original articles, research notes, and policy essays. The journal's United States-centric yet international scope draws submissions from global scholars, fostering a diverse body of work that informs both academic and practitioner audiences in the field.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
Crime & Delinquency covers interdisciplinary topics at the intersection of crime, law, and society, with a primary emphasis on police and public safety. It welcomes empirical, theoretical, and review articles that address prevention, intervention, and policy implications.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| Criminology | Studies on causes, patterns, and prevention of criminal behavior. |
| Criminal Justice | Analyses of law enforcement, courts, and corrections systems. |
| Sociology | Examination of social structures influencing delinquency and crime. |
| Public Policy | Evaluations of safety policies and their societal impacts. |
| Law | Legal perspectives on policing and justice reforms. |
Manuscripts should demonstrate relevance to real-world applications in police and public safety, prioritizing quantitative and qualitative methods.
Key Journal Metrics
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Factor | 3.8 | Clarivate JCR 2022 |
| 5-Year Impact Factor | 4.2 | Clarivate JCR 2022 |
| CiteScore | 6.5 | Scopus 2022 |
| SJR | 1.45 | Scopus 2022 |
| h-Index | 85 | Scopus |
These metrics highlight the journal's enduring influence, with steady growth in citations reflecting its role in shaping police and public safety scholarship.
Indexing and Abstracting
Crime & Delinquency is indexed in prestigious databases, ensuring broad discoverability. Key services include Web of Science (Social Sciences Citation Index), Scopus, and PsycINFO. It is also abstracted in Criminal Justice Abstracts and Sociological Abstracts. While not listed in DOAJ as fully open access, its hybrid model supports visibility through PubMed for relevant public health intersections. Researchers benefit from these affiliations, as they facilitate tracking of citations and interdisciplinary connections in police and public safety.
Publication Model and Fees
The journal operates on a hybrid model, offering subscription-based access with an open access option via SAGE Choice. Article Processing Charges (APCs) for open access are $3,000, waivable for authors from low-income countries per Sherpa/RoMEO guidelines. No fees apply for traditional publication. Page charges are not imposed, making it accessible for early-career researchers in criminology. Copyright policies allow authors to retain rights under Creative Commons licensing for OA articles.
Submission Process and Guidelines
Submissions are handled through SAGE's online portal at the journal homepage. Authors must prepare manuscripts in APA style, double-spaced, up to 10,000 words. An abstract (150-200 words) and keywords are required. The process involves initial editorial screening, followed by double-anonymized peer review. Average time to first decision is 8-10 weeks. Guidelines emphasize originality, ethical standards, and conflict-of-interest disclosures. For detailed instructions, visit the official site.
Editorial Board Highlights
The editorial board comprises distinguished scholars in police and public safety. Editor-in-Chief Charis E. Kubrin (University of California, Irvine) leads with expertise in immigration and crime. Notable members include Patricia Y. Warren (Florida State University) on racial disparities and Graham Ousey (College of William & Mary) on community violence. International associates from the UK and Canada ensure global perspectives. This diverse team upholds rigorous standards, guiding Crime & Delinquency toward impactful publications.
Why Publish in Crime & Delinquency?
Publishing in Crime & Delinquency offers researchers enhanced credibility and networking opportunities in police and public safety. Its high impact factor aids tenure and grant applications, while the journal's prestige attracts collaborations. Authors gain exposure to policymakers, with articles often cited in reports by organizations like the National Institute of Justice. The supportive review process fosters manuscript development, and post-publication promotion via SAGE amplifies reach. For careers in academia, featuring here signals expertise in criminology.
Comparison with Similar Journals
| Journal | Impact Factor | Publisher | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency | 3.2 | SAGE | Empirical crime studies |
| Criminology | 6.1 | Wiley | Broad criminology theory |
| Justice Quarterly | 3.5 | Taylor & Francis | Criminal justice policy |
| British Journal of Criminology | 3.0 | Oxford | International crime perspectives |
Crime & Delinquency distinguishes itself through its balanced emphasis on delinquency and policing, offering a targeted venue compared to broader outlets like Criminology.
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
- Align your work with current calls, such as those on restorative justice.
- Strengthen methods with mixed approaches for robust findings.
- Engage literature on police reform to contextualize contributions.
- Seek feedback from peers before submitting to refine arguments.
- Highlight policy implications to appeal to the journal's audience.
- Check for ethical compliance, especially in sensitive public safety topics.
Following these tips increases acceptance chances. For further guidance, explore PhD programs in criminal justice or rate my professor for mentor insights. Stay updated via academic calendar events.