Ph.D. Student Fills Violence Data Gaps Through Technology

After Jasmine Foriest was robbed at gunpoint in her hometown of Columbus, Ga., she took note of how much information about the crime fell through the cracks of the ensuing police investigation.

She said the police officer who interviewed her was dismissive and neglected to write down details that Foriest found significant. The deficient police report was picked up by local media, which led to news stories that inaccurately described the crime and left out important information.

Foriest said she learned from the incident that incomplete information doesn’t mitigate violence. The perspectives and stories of people who experience violence are essential to reliable data.