On the Way to the Field: Reflections of One Qualitative Criminal Justice Professor's Experiences

Abstract

In this short essay I attempt to summarize my view of qualitative research and delineate a few of the challenges that qualitative researchers working in the field of criminal justice face. I reflect and draw upon my past research to demonstrate my opportunities and challenges in the hope that others can learn from my experiences and mistakes. While qualitative criminal justice researchers have much to be wary of in terms of institutional review boards, increased publication pressures, and highly quantitative journals and departments, there is, nevertheless, hope for the future.

Acknowledgments

I owe a great deal of gratitude to my colleagues Eric Poole and Paul Stretesky for their help and thoughtful suggestions in improving this manuscript and to Heith Copes for providing me with the opportunity to contribute my thoughts to this special edition of the Journal of Criminal Justice Education.