Sean Malinowski, PhD - Policing Lab

Professional Summary

Sean Malinowski, PhD (LAPD, Chief of Detectives, retired), is the Managing Partner of the Partnership for Policing Innovation and Reform, where he leads strategic initiatives to advance data-driven policing, public safety, and crime reduction strategies for law enforcement agencies. He also serves as a Strategic Site Liaison for the Tampa Police Department under the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s National Public Safety Partnership program. Sean is a nationally recognized expert in law enforcement reform and a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Chicago.

Key Experience

Managing Partner, Partnership for Policing Innovation and Reform (2023–Present) Leads strategic initiatives focused on advancing data-driven public safety strategies and transforming law enforcement practices through innovative, evidence-based approaches.
Strategic Site Liaison, Tampa Police Department (2024–Present) Guides implementation and oversees best practices and policing innovations under the BJA’s National Public Safety Partnership program.
Director of Policing Innovation & Reform, University of Chicago Crime Lab (2019–2023) Led partnerships with police agencies to design, pilot, and scale data-driven strategies that improved crime reduction efforts and organizational performance.
Chief of Detectives, Los Angeles Police Department (2017–2019) Led crime-fighting initiatives and improved operational efficiency and clearance rates using data-driven strategies.
Chief of Staff and Chief Information Officer, Los Angeles Police Department  (2013–2017) Spearheaded major reforms in operational technology and data integration during his 25 years of service.
Director, Office of International Criminal Justice, University of Illinois at Chicago (1991–1994 & 1996) Led US State Department funded partnerships with more than a dozen countries to deliver training and technical assistance to foreign police departments
Graduate, Los Angeles Police Academy (1994)