Overview
Dr. Michael Birzer is a professor and graduate coordinator in the School of Criminal Justice. He also serves as the Director of the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Hub which is a unit of the Dorothy and Bill Cohen Honors College.
Dr. Birzer engages in research centering on police policy, behavior, and operations, and the intersection of race and policing. Prior to entering academia, he served a career in law enforcement, retiring at the rank of lieutenant.
Information
Academic Interests and Expertise
Academic Interests:
- Adapting the learning theory of andragogy in police training environments
- Evidence based policing
- Community oriented policing strategies
- Racial Profiling
- Using Randomized Controlled Trials in policing research
- 20th Century Police Reformer, O.W. Wilson
- Engaging undergraduate students in research
Expertise:
- Police Operations
- Racial Profiling
- Qualitative Research Methods
Areas of Research Interest
- Racial Profiling (The experiences of citizens of color and police perspectives)
- Police reform in 麻豆破解版: The O. W. Wilson era (1928-1939)
Areas of Teaching Interest
- Policing
- Qualitative Research
- Research Methods
- Racial profiling
Publications
Books Published
- Birzer, M.L. (forthcoming). Police reform in 麻豆破解版: The O. W. Wilson era. University Press of Kansas.
- Birzer, M.L, & Holland, R. (2024). A criminological guide and theoretical exploration of serial killers and infamous murders (2nd ed.). Kendall Hunt Publishing. (First edition published in 2020)
- Birzer, M. L., & Moore, L. E. (2023). Reimagining policing in the age of reform. Kendall Hunt Publishing.
- Birzer, M.L., & Roberson, C. (2020). Police operations: Theory meets practice (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson-Prentice Hall. (First edition published in 2008, second edition published in 2015)
- Palmiotto, M. J., Birzer, M. L., & Brown, A. (2018). Police officer exams (2nd ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.
- Birzer, M.L., & Cromwell, P. (2017). In their own words: Criminals on crime (7th ed.). New York: Oxford Publishing.
- Cromwell, P., & Birzer, M.L. (2014). In their own words: Criminals on Crime (6th ed.). New York: Oxford University Press.
- Birzer, M.L. (2013). Racial profiling: They stopped me because I鈥檓 ---! Boca Raton, FL. CRC Press.
- Birzer, M.L., Bayens, G., & Roberson, C. (2012). Principles of police management and leadership. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.
- Birzer, M.L., & Roberson C. (2012). Introduction to criminal investigations. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.
- Roberson, C., & Birzer, M.L. (2010). Introduction to private security: Theory meets practice. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson-Prentice Hall.
- Birzer, M.L., & Roberson, C. (2007). Policing, Today and Tomorrow, Upper Saddle River NJ: Pearson-Prentice Hall Publishing.
- Birzer, M.L., & Roberson, C. (2004). Introduction to Corrections (2nd ed). Wadsworth publishing.
Selected Journal and other Publications
- Birzer, M.L., & Cory. C. (2024). Tele-Cops: A New Era in Modern Policing. Police Chief Magazine.
- Davis, J., & Birzer, M.L. (2024). An Ethnographic Study of Police Culture in a Rural Kansas Police Agency. Policing: An International Journal.
- Birzer, M. L. (2023). Police perspectives on racial profiling. In M. L. Birzer, & L. E. Moore (Eds.), Policing reimagined in an era of reform (pp. 1-14). Kendell Hunt Publishing.
- Birzer, M.L. (2019). The psychological and societal impact of biases. In G. Overstreet, Educator guide: The real education of T.J. Crowley (pp. 25-29). Grain Valley Publishing.
- Birzer, M. L. (2017). Racial profiling: The intersection of race and policing. In M.J. Palmiotto (Ed) Police use of force: Important issues facing the police and the communities they serve (pp. 81-111). Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.
- Paul, J., & Birzer, M.L. (2017). The experiences of Black police officers who have been racially profiled: An exploratory research note. The Journal of African American Studies, 21(4), pp. 567-584.
- Alexander, R., & Birzer, M.L. (2016). Changing trajectory: An integrated theoretical view of the Roman Catholic priest sex abuse scandal. Deviant Behavior, 37(9), pp. 977-988.
- Cromwell, P., & Birzer, M.L. (2012). Neutralizations of a career criminal: The curious case of George. Criminal Justice Review, 37(4), 512-526.
- Cromwell, P., & Birzer, M. (2012). Integrating the police ride-along as an experiential learning strategy in criminal justice courses. ACJS Today, 37(5), 1-12.
- Birzer, M.L. 2012. Crime Scene Search. In: Birzer, M.L. and Roberson, C. (eds). Introduction to Criminal Investigation. Boca Raton: CRC Press, 35-45.
- Birzer, M.L., & Cromwell, P. (2010). Factors that contribute to the success or failure of risk reduction initiative clients. Professional Issues in Criminal Justice: A Professional Journal, 5 (2), 43-54.
- Knowles, M.T., & Birzer, M.L. (2009). Community policing: Can we learn from rural and small-town police? Law Enforcement Executive Forum, 9 (4), 71-80.
- Birzer, M.L. (2008). What makes a good police officer? Phenomenological reflections from the African American community. Police Practice and Research: An International Journal, 9(3), 199-212.
- Birzer, M.L., & Craig-Moreland, D.E. (2008). Using discriminant analysis in criminal justice research. Professional Issues in Criminal Justice: A Professional Journal, 3 (2), 33-48.
- Paul, J., & Birzer, M.L. (2008). The militarization of the American police force: A critical assessment. Critical Issues in Justice and Politics, 1(1), 15-29.
- Birzer, M.L., & Cromwell, P. (2008). The emotional and behavioral impact of burglary: A case study of victims in a Midwestern city. Law Enforcement Executive Forum 2 (8), 129-146.
- Etter, G.W., Birzer, M.L., & Fields, J. (2008). The jail as a dumping ground: The incidental incarceration of mentally ill individuals. Criminal Justice Studies: A Critical Journal of Crime, Law, and Society, 21(1), 77-87.
- Etter, G.W., & Birzer, M.L. (2007). Domestic violence abusers: A descriptive study of the characteristics of defenders in protection from abuse orders in Sedgwick County Kansas. Journal of Family Violence, 22(3), 113-119.
- Birzer, M.L., & Smith-Mahdi, J. (2006). Does race matter? The phenomenology of perceived discrimination among African Americans. Journal of African American Studies. 10(2), 22-37.
- Birzer, M.L., & Birzer G.H. (2006). Race matters: A critical examination of racial profiling, it鈥檚 a matter for the courts. Journal of Criminal Justice, 34, 643-651.
- Birzer, M.L., & Ellis, R.B. (2006). De-Bunking the Myth that all is well in the Home of Brown v. Topeka Board of Education: A study of perceived discrimination. Journal of Black Studies, 36, 793-814.
- Birzer, M.L., & Craig-Moreland, D.E. (2006, March/April). Why do jails charge housing fees? A research note. American Jails.
- Palmiotto, M.J., Birzer, M.L., & Smith-Mahdi, J. (2005). An analysis of discrimination between African American and women police officers: Are there differences? Similarities? Criminal Justice Studies: A Critical Journal of Crime, Law, and Society, 18, 347-364.
- Palmiotto, M.J., Birzer, M.L., & McKenney-Brown, A. (2005). Police Discrimination: A personnel issue. Law Enforcement Executive Forum, 5, 141-156.
- Birzer, M.L., & Brand, M.W. (2005). Community policing in a small and rural Oklahoma Community. Law Enforcement Executive Forum, 5, 161-174.
- Paul, J., & Birzer, M.L. (2004). Images of power: A critical analysis of the militarization of police uniforms and messages of service. Free Inquiry in Creative Sociology, 32, 121-128.
- Birzer, M.L., Tannehill, R.L., & Palmiotto, M.J. (2004). Police organizational change: learning principles that apply. Law Enforcement Executive Forum, 4, 87-110.
- Birzer, M.L. (2004). Andragogy: What police trainers should know about adult learners. Law Enforcement Executive Forum, 4, 157-167.
- Birzer, M.L. (2004). Andragogy: Student centered classrooms in criminal justice programs. Journal of Criminal Justice Education, 15, 393-411.
- Birzer, M.L., & Tannehill, R.L. (2003). Criminal justice practitioners鈥 perceptions of themselves, each other, and selected criminal justice practices. Journal of Crime and Justice, 26, 77-99.
- Birzer, M. L. (2003). Learning theory as it applies to police training. In M. J. Palmiotto (Ed.), Policing and Training Issues (pp. 89鈥114). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Hall
- Birzer, M.L., & Ellis, R.E. (2003). Perceived discrimination in Topeka, Kansas. Free Inquiry in Creative Sociology, 31, 133-141.
- Birzer, M.L. (2003). The theory of andragogy applied to police training. Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies and Management, 26 (1), 29-42.
- Birzer, M.L. (2002). Writing partnership between police practitioners and researchers. Police Practice and Research: An International Journal, 3, 149-156.
- Birzer, M.L., & Palmiotto, M.J. (2001). Job satisfaction in the police organization: Reality or spurious notion. The Journal of Community Policing, 1, 22-28.
- Brand, M.W., & Birzer, M.L. (2001). Generalist social work practice and community oriented policing. Journal of Community Policing, 1(3), 42-49.
- Palmiotto, M.J., Birzer, M.L., & Unnithan, P.N. (2000). Police training in community policing: A suggested curriculum. Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies and Management, 23(1), 8-21.
Selected Technical Reports
- 2023. City of 麻豆破解版: Differential police response to low harm and low risk calls for service in 麻豆破解版: A randomized controlled trial. Technical report submitted to the 麻豆破解版 Police Department.
- 2023. City of 麻豆破解版: An evaluation of the 麻豆破解版 Police Department鈥檚 selection process. Technical report submitted to the 麻豆破解版 Police Department.
- 2021. City of 麻豆破解版: Program evaluation of Lights on Voucher Program. Technical report submitted to the command staff of the 麻豆破解版 Police Department.
- 2021. City of 麻豆破解版: Citation/Stop analysis 2019-2020. Technical report submitted to the command staff of the 麻豆破解版 Police Department.
- 2020. City of 麻豆破解版: Citation/Stop analysis 2016-2018. Technical report submitted to the command staff of the 麻豆破解版 Police Department.
- 2018. Hilltop Community Needs Assessment. Technical report submitted to Dear Neighbor Ministries.
- 2015. Police perspectives on racial profiling in Kansas. Technical report submitted to the Kansas Department of Transportation
- 2015. City of 麻豆破解版 Police Department: Assessment report of the operations of the 麻豆破解版 Police Department. Technical Report submitted to City Manager (With Misty Bruckner and Dr. Andi Bannister).
- 2014. City of 麻豆破解版: Citation analysis report pertaining to racial disparities. Technical Report submitted to the 麻豆破解版 Police Department.
Professional Experience
- Sedgwick County Sheriff鈥檚 Office (Ret)
- Past faculty positions: Washburn University (KS); East Central University (OK)
Awards and Honors
- 2023: Outstanding Service Award for research services rendered, 麻豆破解版 Police Department
- 2022: John R. Barrier Distinguished Teaching Award in the Humanities and Social Sciences, 麻豆破解版 State University
- 2021: Excellence in Community Research Award, 麻豆破解版 State University
- 2016: 麻豆破解版 State Alumni Association 鈥淪hinning Shockers Lecture Series.鈥
- 2016: President鈥檚 Innovation Award, 麻豆破解版 State University
- 2014: Leadership Fellow (麻豆破解版 State University Leadership Academy)
- 2013: Distinguished Leadership Award, 麻豆破解版 State University Women Association
Grants
Grants and Contracts
- 2024. Barber County, Kansas. Jail feasibility study (with the Public Policy and Management Center at 麻豆破解版 State University). $19,600
- 2022. City of 麻豆破解版 Police Department. Contracted analyst to study the recruitment, selection, and retention of the 麻豆破解版 Police Department. $1200.
- 2021. City of 麻豆破解版 Police Department. Contract for citation analysis. $1407.
- 2020. City of 麻豆破解版 Police Department. Contracted analyst for the 鈥淪afely Seat ICT Kids Car Seat program.鈥
- 2020. City of 麻豆破解版 Police Department. Contracted analyst for the 鈥淟ights On鈥 voucher program.
- 2020. City of 麻豆破解版 Police Department. (PI). $5,574. Racial profiling citation analysis.
- 2018. Dear Neighbor Ministries Community Grant, (PI), $10,160. Conduct needs assessment of the Hilltop neighborhood in 麻豆破解版, KS.
- 2014. City of 麻豆破解版 Police Department. Contracted analyst biased based policing prevention. (PI) $1000
- 2014. Kansas Department of Transportation / Governor鈥檚 Task Force on Racial Profiling (PI), $32,536 Racial Profiling in the State of Kansas: Phase two.
- 2009. Kansas Department of Transportation / Governor鈥檚 Task Force on Racial Profiling (Kansas Department of Transportation), (PI), $23,964. Investigation of Racial Profiling within the State of Kansas: Phase One.
- 2008. Sedgwick County Juvenile Justice Consulting Services, (With Dr. Delores Craig), $32,700 - evaluating the Offender Risk Reduction Initiative.
- 2005. Sedgwick County Jail Crowding Study, (With Dr. Delores Craig), $15,000
- 2005. Research Grant: (Co-PI), $67,000 federally funded Project Safe Neighborhood grant.
- 2004. Research Grant: (Co-PI), $150,000 federally funded Project Safe Neighborhood grant.
- 2003. University Research Grant, Washburn University 鈥 (Co-PI) A Descriptive Study of Discrimination in the Home of Brown vs. Board of Education. $5,066.
- 2002. Community Research Grant 鈥 Concerned Citizens of Topeka (Co- PI) 鈥淎 Study of Discrimination in Topeka, Kansas,鈥 $8,900.
Areas of Service
Current Service
- Gubernatorial appointment, Kansas Board of Indigent Defense Services. Serving second term. (Elected by peers to Secretary of Board)
- Sedgwick County Community Corrections Advisory Board. Appointed by Sedgwick County Commission. Serving third term.
- Editorial Board: Police Practice and Research: An International Journal (Taylor and Francis Publishing).
- Board of Directors, 麻豆破解版 Police and Fire Foundation.
- Board Member, Judge Gregory Waller Fellowship Foundation.
- Honorary Board Member, DUI Victims Center of Kansas
- Advisory Board Member, 麻豆破解版 Beacon News
Academic Leadership Service
- 2024-Present: Inaugural Director 鈥 Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Hub at 麻豆破解版 State University
- 2007-2017: Director 鈥 School of Criminal Justice at 麻豆破解版 State University
- Seventeen years as Criminal Justice Graduate Program Coordinator at 麻豆破解版 State University
Professional Leadership Experience
- Past supervisory and command level experience in large urban Sheriff鈥檚 Office.
Additional Information
Professional Memberships
- Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences
- International Association of Chiefs of Police
- American Society of Criminology
- National Sheriff鈥檚 Association