Welcome!
The Division of Experimental Criminology (DEC) is one of many divisions in the American Society of Criminology. The DEC seeks to promote and improve the use and development of experimental evidence and methods in the advancement of criminological theory and evidence-based crime policy.
The Academy of Experimental Criminology (AEC) was founded in 1998 in order to recognize criminologists who have successfully led randomized, controlled, field experiments in criminology.
Join the DEC
Joining the DEC demonstrates your support for the use of high quality experimental and quasi-experimental research in criminology. Learn about membership benefits.
Meet the Board
The DEC Executive Board is comprised of the Division’s current officers, immediate past Chair, and three Executive Counselors.
Annual Awards
The DEC/AEC recognizes superior research every year at the Annual Meeting of the American Society of Criminology. Awards are given to researchers for their contribution to the advancement of experimentation in criminological research.
Call for Awards (2024)
Award nominations are now open for 2024! Please see here for the call for awards! The submission deadline is 08/01/2024.
DEC/AEC at ASC
Stay tuned for information regarding DEC/AEC events at ASC 2024 in San Francisco, California!
The Journal of Experimental Criminology (JEC) is the official journal of the DEC. JEC publishes original experimental and quasi-experimental research that advances theories of crime and criminology. JEC also publishes systematic reviews that meet the standards of the Campbell or Cochrane Collaborations. The Editor is currently Wesley Jennings.
The DEC and AEC
The Division of Experimental Criminology (DEC) promotes and improves the use and development of experimental evidence and experimental research methods within the membership of the American Society of Criminology in the advancement of criminological theory and evidence-based crime policy. It brings together ASC members interested in experimental research and encourages promotion and discussion of experimental methods and research with funders, practitioners, and policy makers.
The Academy of Experimental Criminology (AEC) recognizes scholars who have successfully led randomized, controlled, field experiments in criminology. It shares the goals and objectives of the ASC Division of Experimental Criminology and provides an organizational home for experimental criminologists within and outside of the American Society of Criminology. Experimental researchers in criminology are encouraged to be a member of both organizations.