Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency – Police and Public Safety Journal Guide for Researchers

Why Researchers Choose Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency for High-Impact Publications

The Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency stands as a cornerstone in the field of Police and Public Safety, offering researchers a prestigious platform to disseminate groundbreaking studies on criminal behavior, justice systems, and delinquency prevention. Established in 1964 by SAGE Publications, this quarterly journal has evolved into a vital resource for scholars examining the complexities of crime from empirical and theoretical perspectives. Its rigorous peer-review process ensures that only high-quality, innovative research reaches publication, making it a preferred choice for academics aiming to influence policy and practice in public safety.

With a focus on interdisciplinary approaches, the journal bridges sociology, psychology, and law enforcement, providing insights into urban crime patterns, juvenile delinquency, and policing strategies. Researchers value its commitment to advancing knowledge that informs real-world interventions, from community-based programs to legislative reforms. The journal's international readership, spanning universities and government agencies in the United States and beyond, amplifies the reach of published work, fostering global dialogues on crime reduction.

Publishing here not only enhances a researcher's academic profile but also contributes to the broader discourse on public safety challenges. The journal's emphasis on quantitative and qualitative methodologies appeals to diverse scholars, ensuring comprehensive coverage of emerging issues like cybercrime and restorative justice. As crime dynamics shift in modern society, the Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency remains at the forefront, guiding evidence-based solutions.

For those seeking to elevate their research impact, consider submitting to this esteemed outlet. Explore opportunities in higher education through higher ed jobs or connect with academic communities via Rate My Professor to stay informed on faculty insights.

Overview & History

The Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency was founded in 1964 under the auspices of the National Council on Crime and Delinquency, with SAGE Publications taking over as publisher in subsequent years. Initially aimed at compiling empirical research on crime causation and control, it has grown into a bimonthly publication that reflects the evolving landscape of criminological inquiry. Over decades, it has chronicled shifts from traditional delinquency studies to contemporary analyses of systemic inequalities in justice systems.

Key milestones include its adoption of open access options in the 2010s and integration of digital tools for data visualization in articles. Today, it serves as a bridge between academia and practitioners, with special issues dedicated to topics like mass incarceration and police reform. Its enduring relevance stems from a dedication to methodologically sound research that addresses pressing societal concerns in Police and Public Safety.

Scope and Disciplines Covered

The journal encompasses a wide array of topics within criminology and criminal justice, emphasizing empirical research on crime, delinquency, and prevention strategies. It welcomes studies on policing, victimization, and correctional systems, prioritizing those with implications for public policy.

These disciplines align with the journal's mission to foster interdisciplinary dialogue, encouraging submissions that integrate sociology, psychology, and economics.

Key Journal Metrics

These metrics underscore the journal's standing as a high-impact venue for Police and Public Safety research.

Indexing and Abstracting

The Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency is indexed in major databases, ensuring wide visibility. It appears in Clarivate Web of Science (Social Sciences Citation Index), Scopus, and EBSCOhost. Additional coverage includes ProQuest, JSTOR, and the Criminal Justice Abstracts database. For open access discoverability, it is listed in DOAJ. Researchers can access abstracts via the official journal homepage or search indexing sites like Scopus for full metrics.

This robust indexing supports citation tracking and interdisciplinary reach, vital for scholars in public safety fields.

Publication Model and Fees

As a hybrid journal, it offers both subscription-based and open access publication. Authors can publish traditionally with no fees, or opt for gold open access with an Article Processing Charge (APC) of $3,000 USD, waivable for certain regions or funding constraints. SAGE's green open access policy allows self-archiving in repositories after embargo periods, per Sherpa/RoMEO guidelines. No page charges apply for standard submissions, making it accessible for early-career researchers.

This model balances accessibility with sustainability, aligning with evolving scholarly communication norms.

Submission Process and Guidelines

Submissions are handled through SAGE's online portal at the journal site. Manuscripts should follow APA style, with a maximum of 10,000 words, including abstracts and references. Authors must declare conflicts of interest and ensure ethical compliance, such as IRB approval for human subjects research. The process involves initial editorial screening, followed by double-anonymized peer review, typically taking 3-6 months.

Guidelines emphasize originality, methodological rigor, and relevance to crime and delinquency. For detailed instructions, visit the submission portal and prepare using tools like academic calendar resources to track deadlines.

Editorial Board Highlights

The editorial team comprises distinguished scholars from top institutions. Editor-in-Chief Paul E. Tracy from the University of Texas at San Antonio brings expertise in developmental criminology. Associate Editors include specialists in quantitative methods and policy analysis from universities like Rutgers and UC Irvine. The board's diversity ensures balanced perspectives on global and domestic issues in Police and Public Safety.

International members from the UK and Canada enhance the journal's scope, providing rigorous oversight for submissions.

Why Publish in Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency?

Publishing in this journal offers unparalleled visibility and credibility in the Police and Public Safety domain. Its high impact factor attracts citations from policymakers and practitioners, amplifying research influence. Authors benefit from SAGE's global distribution network, reaching over 1,000 institutions worldwide. The journal's focus on timely topics like racial disparities in policing positions work for real-world impact.

Early-career researchers gain mentorship through reviewer feedback, while established scholars leverage its prestige for tenure and grants. Compared to peers, it excels in empirical depth, making it ideal for advancing criminology discourse. Connect with peers via Rate My Professor for collaboration ideas.

Comparison with Similar Journals

This comparison highlights JRCD's strong position in empirical rigor and public safety focus, distinguishing it for targeted submissions.

Researcher Tips for Successful Submission

To succeed, align your work with the journal's scope by emphasizing novel contributions to Police and Public Safety. Use robust data analysis and clear policy implications. Revise based on feedback, and consider co-authoring with interdisciplinary experts. Track trends via academic calendar events. Finally, proofread meticulously to meet APA standards, increasing acceptance chances in this competitive field.