Why Researchers Choose Criminal Justice and Behavior for High-Impact Publications
Criminal Justice and Behavior stands as a cornerstone in the field of police and public safety, offering researchers a platform to disseminate cutting-edge studies on criminal behavior, justice systems, and behavioral interventions. Established in 1974 by SAGE Publications, this peer-reviewed journal has built a reputation for rigorous scholarship that bridges psychology, criminology, and public policy. With a focus on empirical research, theoretical advancements, and practical applications, it attracts contributions from leading experts worldwide.
The journal's scope encompasses a wide array of topics, including offender rehabilitation, policing strategies, victimology, and the psychological underpinnings of crime. Its interdisciplinary approach ensures that articles resonate across academia, informing policymakers, practitioners, and educators. Researchers value Criminal Justice and Behavior for its commitment to high standards, evidenced by its inclusion in top indexing services like Scopus and Web of Science. The impact factor of 3.4 underscores its influence, making it a strategic choice for scholars aiming to amplify their work's visibility and citation potential.
Publishing in Criminal Justice and Behavior not only enhances a researcher's portfolio but also contributes to real-world advancements in public safety. The journal's hybrid open access model allows authors to reach broader audiences while maintaining accessibility. For those navigating academic careers, submitting here can open doors to collaborations and funding opportunities. As the field evolves with emerging challenges like digital crime and restorative justice, this journal remains at the forefront, fostering innovative dialogue.
To explore how your research aligns with these themes, consider reviewing submission guidelines on the official site. For career support, browse higher education job opportunities or check the academic calendar for key deadlines.
Overview & History
Criminal Justice and Behavior was founded in 1974 to address the growing need for interdisciplinary research at the intersection of criminal justice and behavioral sciences. Published by SAGE Publications, it has evolved from a quarterly to a bimonthly outlet, reflecting its expanding influence. Over the decades, it has chronicled shifts in criminal justice paradigms, from punitive models to evidence-based rehabilitation approaches. Key milestones include special issues on topics like mental health in corrections and community policing, which have shaped policy discussions. Today, it serves as an essential resource for over 1,000 institutions globally, with archives dating back to its inception available through SAGE's digital platform.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
The journal covers empirical and theoretical work in criminal justice, emphasizing behavioral aspects of crime and law enforcement. It prioritizes studies with implications for police practices, correctional systems, and public safety policies.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| Police and Public Safety | Research on policing strategies, community relations, and crime prevention. |
| Criminology | Analyses of criminal behavior patterns and societal responses. |
| Behavioral Psychology | Studies on offender psychology, rehabilitation, and intervention programs. |
| Victimology | Exploration of victim experiences and support systems. |
| Public Policy | Evaluations of justice policies and their behavioral impacts. |
Key Journal Metrics
Criminal Justice and Behavior maintains strong metrics that highlight its academic rigor and reach. These are sourced from Clarivate Journal Citation Reports and Scopus.
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Factor (2022) | 3.4 | Clarivate JCR |
| 5-Year Impact Factor | 3.8 | Clarivate JCR |
| CiteScore | 5.9 | Scopus |
| SJR | 1.25 | Scopus |
| h-Index | 102 | Scopus |
Indexing and Abstracting
The journal is widely indexed, ensuring discoverability. It appears in Web of Science (Social Sciences Citation Index), Scopus, PsycINFO, Criminal Justice Abstracts, and Sociological Abstracts. These services facilitate citations and interdisciplinary access, with full-text availability via SAGE Journals platform. For open access visibility, it complies with DOAJ guidelines where applicable.
Publication Model and Fees
Criminal Justice and Behavior operates on a hybrid model, offering subscription-based access with an open access option through SAGE Choice. The article processing charge (APC) for open access is $3,000, waivable for authors from low-income countries. No fees apply for standard subscription publication. This model balances accessibility with sustainability, allowing immediate open access upon payment.
Submission Process and Guidelines
Submissions are handled via the SAGE Track online portal at journals.sagepub.com/home/cjb. Authors must adhere to APA style, with manuscripts limited to 8,000 words. The process includes initial screening, double-anonymized peer review, and revisions. Average time to first decision is 6-8 weeks. Guidelines emphasize originality, ethical standards, and relevance to behavioral justice themes. For detailed instructions, visit the journal's author page.
Editorial Board Highlights
The editorial team comprises distinguished scholars from top institutions. Editor-in-Chief Ronald Roesch from Simon Fraser University brings expertise in forensic psychology. Associate editors include specialists in policing from the University of Cambridge and criminology from John Jay College. The board's diversity ensures global perspectives, with members from the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. Their collective experience exceeds 200 years in the field, guiding the journal's high standards.
Why Publish in Criminal Justice and Behavior?
Publishing here offers visibility among 50,000+ readers annually, robust peer feedback, and opportunities for special issues. It enhances CVs for tenure-track positions and grants. Compared to peers, its focus on behavioral applications sets it apart, appealing to interdisciplinary audiences. Authors benefit from SAGE's marketing and altmetrics tracking.
Comparison with Similar Journals
| Journal | Impact Factor | Focus | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Behavior | 3.4 | Behavioral criminology and public safety | SAGE |
| Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency | 3.2 | Crime etiology and policy | SAGE |
| Criminology | 6.2 | Broad criminology theory | Wiley |
| Justice Quarterly | 3.9 | Justice system evaluations | Taylor & Francis |
| Psychology, Public Policy, and Law | 2.8 | Legal psychology applications | APA |
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
- Align your work with the journal's behavioral focus; emphasize empirical evidence.
- Use clear, concise language and robust methodology sections.
- Cite recent articles from Criminal Justice and Behavior to demonstrate fit.
- Seek pre-submission feedback from colleagues or via rate my professor networks.
- Prepare for revisions by addressing reviewer comments thoroughly.
- Track your submission status and consider open access for wider impact.
- For career planning, explore PhD programs in related fields.
Internal links distributed: higher-ed-jobs (2), academic-calendar (1), rate-my-professor (2), academic-jobs (3), phd-programs (2), tenure-track-positions (1), grants-opportunities (1), interdisciplinary-networks (1), submission-guidelines (1). Total: 14.
