Javier Lopez is an Analytics Manager for the Crime Lab. Javier currently leads research into the 50-year decline of homicide arrest rates in Chicago, the impacts of a recidivism reduction institution for high-risk individuals in Illinois, and supports the evaluation of an RCT aiming to be the most impactful public safety leadership training program ever offered in the nation. In an effort to advance the public sector’s response to pressing health challenges and gun violence, Javier’s also offered technical and analytical expertise to many Chicago-based government agencies, violence intervention organizations, and key Public Affairs stakeholders.

Prior to joining the Crime Lab, Javier served as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps for seven years—spending over four years deployed overseas. During his service, Javier conducted counter-terrorism, geopolitical, and geospatial analysis for crisis response operations in Africa and the Middle East; delivered high-stakes technical training to foreign militaries; and, led Marines in emergency response operations at U.S. diplomatic facilities abroad. After his service, Javier worked as a Data Quality Analyst for a pension fund. Javier holds a bachelor’s degree in Decision Analytics from DePaul University.

Javier’s Resources
Summer Safety Analysis: Chicago Crime Trends
Presentation

Summer Safety Analysis: Chicago Crime Trends

May 2024

These data visualizations present our summer safety analysis on Chicago crime trends.

2023 End-of-Year Analysis: Chicago Crime Trends
Presentation

2023 End-of-Year Analysis: Chicago Crime Trends

Dec 2023

These slides present our end-of-year analysis on Chicago crime trends.

Javier’s Projects
Chicago Fire Department Technical Assistance

Chicago Fire Department Technical Assistance

Crime Lab data analysts were embedded in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) division of the Chicago Fire Department (CFD) to generate data dashboards and visualizations using data from patient care reports.

Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry Center (LSRC)
CURRENT

Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry Center (LSRC)

The Crime Lab and the University of Illinois at Chicago are teaming up with the Illinois Department of Corrections to evaluate a rehabilitative approach to incarceration in Illinois.

Latest Updates

Researchers: ShotSpotter helps gunshot victims receive rapid first aid. Does that change the debate?
Op-Ed
Chicago Tribune
Sep 2024

Researchers: ShotSpotter helps gunshot victims receive rapid first aid. Does that change the debate?

Read the Crime Lab’s latest op-ed sharing new analysis on ShotSpotter, Chicago’s gunshot detection system.