CLEAR Institute
About
The CLEAR Institute—Corrections Leadership, Evidence, and Advancement for Reform—at Rutgers School of Criminal Justice brings together researchers, practitioners, and students to improve corrections and sentencing policy through evidence-based research and collaboration. Launched in 2026 and named in honor of professor and former dean Dr. Todd Clear, the Institute focuses on advancing a more humane, effective, and equitable criminal legal system.
What we do
- Conduct policy-relevant research on corrections and sentencing
- Partner and coordinate with federal, state, and local agencies; community organizations; and advocacy groups
- Provide analytic support and technical guidance to practitioners
- Support education and mentoring for students and early career scholars including in partnership with NJ-STEP.
Our focus areas
The Institute addresses key challenges across the justice system, including:
- Pretrial release and supervision
- Plea practices and sentencing
- Probation and parole
- Incarceration conditions
- Reentry and community reintegration
How we work
CLEAR emphasizes collaboration and real-world impact. We:
- Work closely with correctional agencies and community partners
- Apply rigorous research methods to practical problems
- Evaluate changes in correctional policies and practices
- Build knowledge on the value and impact of supporting educational pathways for incarcerated individuals and correctional staff
Training the next generation
The Institute also serves as a hub for student engagement and professional development, offering opportunities for:
- Applied research experience
- Field-based learning
- Mentorship and career placement in corrections and justice policy
Why it Matters
The justice system faces ongoing challenges in fairness, effectiveness, and outcomes. The CLEAR Institute supports solutions grounded in research and partnership, helping improve policy and practice in New Jersey and beyond.
Research Themes
- Community Supervision Practices
- Community Programming
- Legal Financial Obligations
- Incarceration and Collateral Consequences and Outputs
Affiliated Faculty
Dr. Ebony Ruhland
Examining effects of probation and parole policies
Dr. Joel Miller
Examining supervision practices
Dr. Michael Ostermann
Evidence-based practices and public policy-making
Dr. Sara Wakefield
How punishment creates, maintains, and reinforces inequalities
Dr. Allegra Pocinki
Promoting high-quality college education in New Jersey State Prisons
Dr. Nancy La Vigne
Dean of the SCJ, focused on corrections reform, reentry, and evidence-based practices
Dr. Todd Clear
Understanding post-conviction justice system policy
NJ-STEP
The New Jersey Scholarship and Transformative Education in Prisons (NJ-STEP) is a statewide prison education initiative housed at Rutgers University–Newark. It was expanded considerably thanks to early leadership and support from Dr. Todd Clear during his tenure as Dean of the School of Criminal Justice. NJ-STEP coordinates with partner colleges, the New Jersey Department of Corrections, and the New Jersey State Parole Board to offer college courses inside prisons and support degree completion before and/or after release. Bachelor’s degrees earned through the program are conferred by Rutgers University.
Learn More (check back for more content as we continue to build our web page)
Research Projects
Descriptions of ongoing and completed projects related to corrections, including key findings and collaborators where relevant.
Faculty and Graduate Students
Profiles and research interests of affiliated faculty and graduate students.
Partners
A list of organizational and agency partners connected to the Center’s work.
Publications
A selection of published articles, reports, and policy briefs produced by Center affiliates.
Corrections News and Updates
A selection of published articles, reports, and policy briefs produced by Center affiliates.
Events
Announcements and details of Center-hosted or affiliated events, such as seminars and workshops.
Contact
Questions? Please email us at RSCJ@newark.rutgers.edu