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Dr. Ben Stickle conducts research and provides consultation on policing and crime prevention.

About

ABOUT

Benjamin F. Stickle, Ph.D., is a Professor of Criminal Justice Administration at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. He teaches courses on policing, investigations, and qualitative research methods.

Selected Awards & Honors
  • Global Thought Leaders & Influencers (#1 for Health & Safety, #5 for COVID Business Impact, #10 for Risk Management, #21 in Supply Chain Management), Thinkers 360 (2021)
     

  • Distinguished Research Award, Middle Tennessee State University (2020)
     

  • McGraw Hill Distinguished Scholar Award, Ethnographic & Qualitative Research Conference (2020)
     

  • Stanford M. Lyman Distinguished Book Award for Metal Scrappers and Thieves: Scavenging for Survival and Profit, Mid-South Sociological Association (2019)

Dr. Ben Stickle is a recognized authority in criminal justice, blending academic expertise with over two decades of real-world law enforcement experience. As a Professor of Criminal Justice Administration at Middle Tennessee State University, Dr. Stickle’s work focuses on applied research, innovative grantsmanship, and impactful teaching. He holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Justice Administration from the University of Louisville and a B.A. in Sociology from Cedarville University.

 

A Leader in Emerging Crime Research
Dr. Stickle’s research addresses some of the most pressing issues in modern criminal justice. His work on policing practices, property crime (including metal theft and burglary), and emerging crimes like package theft and crime in the sharing economy has earned national and international acclaim. By emphasizing crime opportunity and rational choice theories, his research bridges the gap between theory and practice. His insights have been published in top-tier journals, including the American Journal of Criminal Justice, Victims & Offenders, and European Journal of Criminology, and authored books such as Metal Scrappers and Thieves and Field Studies in Environmental Criminology.

 

Trusted Media Expert
Dr. Stickle is a frequent media contributor, offering expert analysis on topics like package theft, policing, and crime prevention. His expertise has been featured in The New York Times, Good Morning America, NBC News, and National Public Radio, among others. With hundreds of interviews and appearances, Dr. Stickle is a go-to source for journalists seeking authoritative commentary on crime trends and solutions.

 

Innovative Grantsmanship and Consulting
A skilled grant writer and project manager, Dr. Stickle has secured and managed over $14 million in funded projects. These initiatives address critical issues such as mental health responses, offender reentry, staffing analysis, virtual reality, de-escalation, crime analysis, and human trafficking. His collaborative approach to consulting has benefited law enforcement agencies, correctional facilities, and organizations seeking actionable, evidence-based solutions. Dr. Stickle also shares his expertise through advanced grant-writing workshops tailored to law enforcement professionals.

 

A Background of Service and Leadership
Dr. Stickle’s career includes roles as a Police Officer, Crime Scene Investigator, and expert witness in police administration and staffing. He is a graduate of the prestigious National Forensic Academy and has held leadership roles such as President of the Kentucky Peace Officers' Association. His professional certifications and board memberships underscore his commitment to advancing the field of criminal justice.

 

Partner with Dr. Stickle
Whether you are a media professional seeking expert insights, a researcher looking for a collaborator, or an organization needing consulting or grant-writing expertise, Dr. Stickle offers a wealth of knowledge and experience. His innovative, solution-focused approach has made him a trusted partner for clients and colleagues worldwide.

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PACKAGE THEFT

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Commerce around the world is shifting rapidly as online consumers have products delivered directly to their front door. As a result, a new form of crime has emerged and is gaining popularity—porch piracy. To learn more about package theft and porch pirates, review the scholarly publications, practitioner articles, and related media appearances.

METAL THEFT

In Metal Scrappers and Thieves: Scavenging for Survival and Profit, Dr. Stickle explores the little-known world of scrappers and metal thieves, traversing this criminal subculture in the thieves’ and scrappers’ own underground communities. Dive into the underground scrapper community with Ben and learn about metal theft motivations, thievery techniques, and more.

Metal theft, Copper theft, Aluminum theft, Brass theft, Scrap metal theft, Industrial metal stealing, Construction site metal
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