Criminologist Alexis R. Piquero Sworn in as New Justice Statistics Director

On August 15, Alexis R. Piquero, Ph.D., was sworn in as Director of the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) within the Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs (OJP). Dr. Piquero, who takes the helm of the statistical agency primarily responsible for data related to crime and the justice system, was appointed by President Biden back in June. Piquero is a decorated criminologist, researcher, and author with over 25 years of experience and has been appointed to positions at organizations such as the National Academy of Sciences and OJP’s Science Advisory Board. Prior to his leadership at BJS, Piquero served as Professor and Chair of the Department of Sociology and Criminology at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. He holds a bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. in criminology and criminal justice from the University of Maryland, College Park. More information about Dr. Piquero is available on the BJS website.