The Julius Debro Award recognizes a member of the DPCC who has made outstanding contributions in service to professional organizations, academic institutions, and/or the advancement of criminal justice.
About Julius Debro: Julius Debro, Ph.D., a distinguished scholar and advocate known for his significant contributions to the field of criminology and criminal justice, was pivotal in enhancing the understanding of crime and justice, particularly as they relate to marginalized communities. He made substantial impacts through his academic scholarship, professional service, and dedication to advancing equitable practices within the discipline. This award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding contributions in service to professional organizations, academic institutions, and the advancement of criminal justice, reflecting Debro’s commitment to improving and evolving the field.
Purpose: Recognizes exceptional service to professional organizations, academic institutions, or the advancement of criminal justice.
Eligibility: Must be an active DPCC member in good standing for at least 2 consecutive years.
Nomination Materials: Letter of nomination and nominee’s CV. Self-nominations are welcome.
Deadline: By September 5, 2025, submit nominations to Dr. LaDonna Long, Chair of the DPCC Awards Committee, at llong@roosevelt.edu.
Dr. Janice Iwama is an Associate Professor in the Department of Justice, Law & Criminology at American University in Washington, D.C. She received her Ph.D. in Criminology and Justice Policy from Northeastern University. Her research focuses on the intersection between race, ethnicity, immigration, and crime. She has worked extensively on research grants with federal, state, and local agencies on reducing gun violence, preventing hate crimes, and ensuring equity in policing practices. Her research has been published in several scholarly journals including Crime & Justice, Criminology & Public Policy, Journal of Research in Crime & Delinquency, Justice Quarterly, and Race & Justice. She has also partnered with advocacy organizations, government agencies, and schools in identifying best practices, providing training, and developing resource guides to address hate crimes, gun violence, and racial profiling. She is currently one of the National Institute of Justice Law Enforcement Advancing Data and Science Scholars and has previously served as a Racial Democracy Crime and Justice Network and ASC Ruth D. Peterson Fellow. Her research has also been featured in several international and national news outlets including Al Jazeera, BBC News, Bloomberg News, NBC News, The Washington Post, Univision, and USA Today
Previous Awardees | 2006 – Present
2023 – Not awarded
2022 – Henrika McCoy
2021 – Ojmarrh Mitchell
2020 – Xavier Perez
2019 – Vera Lopez
2018 – Allison Cotton
2017 – Elsa Chen & Marjorie Zatz
2016 – Nancy Rodriguez
2015 – Shaun L. Gabbidon
2014 – Darnell Hawkins
2013 – Delores Jones-Brown
2012 – Deanna Wilkinson
2011 – Not Awarded
2010 – Not Awarded
2009 – Everette Penn
2008 – Hillary Potter
2007 – Vernetta Young
2006 – Lauren Krivo and Ruth Peterson