Former corrections officer discovers fulfillment in data-driven crime analysis
David Scott, fall 2024 School of Criminology and Criminal Justice Outstanding Graduate. Courtesy photo
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable fall 2024 graduates.
David Scott earned an associate degree in graphic design, but discovered jobs in that field were few.
For a time he worked in retail, rising to a management position, then was a corrections officer for five years. After that he earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at Western Carolina University.
But he found himself attracted to data-driven crime analysis, and stepped away from corrections work four years ago to pursue a graduate degree in the field while he works as a member of an in-house security team for a major hospital.
Scott, a Walkertown, North Carolina, resident, is receiving an online Master of Science in crime analysis from the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, where he is the school’s fall 2024 outstanding graduate. He is planning to pursue a doctorate.
"I’ve always been computer savvy, especially in the digital arts. My sister is a statistician with a major company, doing biostatistical analysis in Raleigh,” Scott said. “She told me to try this and see how I’d like it.”
Despite deciding to no longer work as a corrections officer, Scott said he wanted to stay in the criminal justice field, endeavoring to make his community safer.
“I’ve learned that you never stop learning. This field is going to evolve, particularly with the insertion of artificial intelligence,” he said. “By no means is graduation the end to your education. It’s the beginning.”
Read on to learn more about Scott’s ASU journey.
Note: Answers have been edited for length and clarity.
Question: What was your “aha” moment, when you realized you wanted to study the field you majored in?
Answer: Since beginning work as a correctional officer, my curiosity about the various aspects of criminal justice only deepened, which prompted me to pursue my undergraduate degree in criminal justice. My "aha" moment came during my undergraduate studies, where I first encountered the idea of using data to analyze and understand crime. This realization sparked a passion for leveraging data-driven approaches to make meaningful impacts, ultimately inspiring me to pursue a master's degree in crime analysis at ASU.
Q: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you, that changed your perspective?
A: The human experience is fundamental to understanding and addressing the complexities of crime analysis, and it requires engagement and understanding. Recognizing the human experience means going beyond the surface. It requires engaging with communities, listening to their stories and understanding how crime and justice impact people differently based on their unique circumstances.
Q: Why did you choose ASU?
A: While researching the school, I was impressed to see that the programs were led by professionals with real-world experience in the fields they teach. Even from North Carolina, I could tell that ASU had a dedicated community, with alumni and current students consistently sharing positive experiences. The combination of reputation, quality of education and the enthusiasm of the ASU community were all key factors in my decision to enroll.
Q: Which professor(s) taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?
A: I have been privileged to learn from an incredible group of professors, all of whom have profoundly influenced my perspective on crime analysis. For example, Associate Professor Jacob Young’s highly organized and analytical mindset made learning … an enjoyable and enlightening experience. Danielle Wallace’s expertise in data management not only taught invaluable skills but also expanded my professional network through her guest lecturers, who were all field experts. Each professor has contributed uniquely to my knowledge and understanding of crime analysis, shaping both my academic growth and professional outlook.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?
A: The best advice I can give to anyone is to know that, at times, it will not be easy. But if you're willing and determined, nothing can stand in your way. Take pride in your progress, but don’t dwell on it too long because you're moving forward, not backward. Be proud of the work you've accomplished, the person you've become and the impact you've made. Now, get ready for all that's still ahead.
The School of Criminology and Criminal Justice is part of the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions.
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