Bolger, Philip Colin

Ph.D. Criminal Justice, University of Cincinnati

M.A. Criminal Justice, Washington State University

B.A. Criminology and Criminal Justice, Psychology, University of Maryland

Dr. Bolger maintains an active research agenda in the areas of police officer behavior and police effectiveness. In particular, his research focuses on identifying the key correlates of officer decisions to search and use force against citizens. He has also written on other policing topics, such as community policing and citizen satisfaction with policing services.

Introduction to Criminal Justice

Introduction to Policing

Investigation and Intelligence

Research Methods in Criminal Justice

Senior Seminar in Criminal Justice

Bolger, M., Bolger, P. C. & Kremser, (2023). Patterns and predictors of support
for campus gun carrying. Journal of Criminal Justice Education.

Mogavero, M., Hsu, K., & Bolger, P. C. (2022). A conjunctive analysis of false
accusations, official misconduct, and race in violent and sexual exonerations cases. Behavioral Sciences & the Law. 1 – 31.

Bolger, M., Lytle, D. & Bolger, P. C. (2021). What matters in citizen satisfaction with
the police: A meta-analysis. Journal of Criminal Justice, 72.

Bolger, M. & Bolger, P. C. (2019). Predicting fear of crime: Results from a community survey of a small city. American Journal of Criminal Justice, 44, 334 – 351.

Bolger, P. C., Kremser, J., & Walker, H. (2019). Detention or diversion? The influence of training and education on school police officer discretion. Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies and Management, 42, 255 – 269.

Bolger, P. C. & Walters, G. (2019). The relationship between police procedural justice, police legitimacy, and people’s willingness to cooperate with law enforcement: A meta-analysis. Journal of Criminal Justice, 60, 93 – 99.

Walters, G. & Bolger, P. C. (2019). Procedural justice perceptions, legitimacy beliefs, and compliance with the law: A meta-analysis. Journal of Experimental Criminology, 15, 341 – 372.

Bolger, P. C. & Lytle, D. (2018). A meta-analysis of suspect characteristics on American police officer search decisions. Criminology, Criminal Justice, Law, and Society, 19, 1, 1 – 23.

Lytle, D. & Bolger, P.C. (2017). Police satisfaction and disorder: A survey of a semi-rural community. Policing & Society, 27, 8, 913 – 926.

Bolger, P. C. (2015). Just following orders: A meta-analysis of the correlates of American police officer use of force decisions. American Journal of Criminal Justice, 40, 3, 466 - 492.

Bolger, P. C. & Travis, L. (2013). Community policing. Encyclopedia of Street Crime in America.

Bolger, P. C. (2011). Perspectives on policing. Policing: An International Journal of Police Strategies & Management, 34, 1, 166 - 170.