Biography
Dr. Nielson is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Criminology and Criminal
Justice at WCU. He has taught undergraduate courses on police in society, contemporary
issues in American policing, police practices and problems, research methods, and
comparative criminal justice systems. Dr. Nielson鈥檚 scholarship focuses broadly on
policing. Currently, his research centers on police practices and strategies, policing
in foreign contexts, and alternative response programs in policing. He serves as member
of the Community Care Program leadership team, coordinating several research projects
in this capacity. His published research has examined police officer attitudes and
perceptions of various topics within the contexts of Taiwan and Thailand. In addition,
Dr. Nielson has examined the impact of COVID-19 on police officer activities and changes
in calls for service within the Houston Police Department Crisis Intervention Response
Team post-pandemic. His published works have appeared in the <i>Journal of Criminal
Justice, American Journal of Criminal Justice, Police Practice & Research,</i> <i>International
Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice, </i>and the <i>Canadian Journal
of Criminology & Criminal Justice. </i>
Teaching Interests
Dr. Nielson has a passion for cultivating and promoting a productive learning environment.
He emphasizes the salience of student growth and connection in the classroom setting.
He strives to not only prepare students with the necessary and adequate skills and
tools to be successful in their professional pursuits but also to help equip students
with the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate the complexity of our social
world. As an educator, he is focused on integrating evidence-based examples, case
studies, and arguments in his teaching.
Research Interests
Police practices and strategies<br>Policing in foreign contexts<br>Contemporary issues
in policing and criminal justice
