Hate Crimes, Policing of Minorities, and Collaboration Top of Mind for New Chair

Dr. Amin Asfari is the University of Regina’s new Law Foundation of Saskatchewan (LFS) Chair in Police Studies in the Department of Justice Studies, a role established in 2009 to help drive research leading to improvements in provincial policing and the courts. Previously, he was the Department Chair at Regis University in Denver, Colorado where he grew the Justice Studies program from 118 students to more than 250 in one year.

With a focus on interdisciplinary research related to the challenges faced by Muslim people in Western societies and systemic issues within the justice system that impact marginalized groups, Asfari says the criminal justice system is evolving for the better— addressing a broad array of social, legal, and psychological factors. In his new role, he hopes to positively impact policing in the province, grow the already robust Justice Studies program, and make U of R an international hub for criminology research.

What are your immediate plans as the new Law Foundation Chair?

I am getting to know the people and the province. My focus has been building relationships with members of the law enforcement community including the Regina Police Service and the Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police to better understand their goals and challenges. I am also building relationships with Indigenous groups, and other racialized communities, including Muslim groups in Regina. Developing these connections takes time, mutual respect, and a sincere commitment to listening and learning about the distinct needs and aspirations of each community. My fellow researchers, including students, hope to support these agencies by evaluating current programs, enhancing their effectiveness, and introducing new, evidence-based initiatives.

Criminal justice systems increasingly rely on partnerships with non-profits, mental health organizations, domestic violence shelters, and addiction treatment centres to address root causes of crime, support rehabilitation, and prevent recidivism. Unlike the theoretical emphasis of the past—which remains foundational—today’s criminology programs equip students to engage in real-world settings. — Dr. Amin Asfari, Law Foundation Chair of Saskatchewan in the Department of Justice Studies at the U of R

I also joined the board of the John Howard Society of Saskatchewan. The Society’s dedication to supporting some of the most marginalized members of our community deeply resonates with me, and I am continuously inspired by their impact. I am actively learning ways to help strengthen their initiatives and extend their positive reach.

How does your research relate to the policing of Indigenous populations and minorities here in Saskatchewan?

My research delves deeply into the policing and experiences of minority populations within the criminal justice system, focusing on themes such as Islamophobia, victimization, violent extremism, and multicultural education within policing. I am particularly interested in understanding perceptions of police among ethnic communities, examining their carceral experiences, and exploring factors in police recruitment from these communities.

I am still at the beginning stages of learning about Indigenous populations here in Saskatchewan, and I recognize the need for distinct conversations. The experiences of Indigenous populations are entirely unique and cannot simply be grouped with other minoritized groups. The historical, cultural, and systemic factors shaping the policing of Indigenous communities are complex and require a dedicated, informed approach that I am only starting to build. I acknowledge the value of listening and learning from Indigenous voices to understand the criminal justice system’s impacts fully. In contrast, in the United States, Native American populations have unique police systems with greater autonomy.

What led to your interest in criminology, and specifically the policing of minority populations?

My interest in criminology, particularly in the policing of minorities, emerged from a deeply personal and tragic experience. I was born in Kuwait and moved to New York City at the age of ten, later relocating to North Carolina. In 2015, my cousin, Deah Shaddy Barakat, was murdered alongside his wife, Yusor Mohammad Abu-Salha, and her sister, Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. This brutal crime, carried out by a white supremacist who targeted them because of their Muslim identity, was deeply shocking and painful for our family and attracted worldwide media attention.

This tragedy highlighted the realities of Islamophobia and sparked my determination to understand and address hate-driven violence. It led me to approach Islamophobia not only as a sociological issue but as a criminological one, exploring its intersections with hate crimes and systemic violence. Since then, I have focused my research on the ways minority communities, especially Muslim communities, experience policing and criminalization, publishing extensively on these themes. My recent book, which examines mass shootings targeting Jewish and Muslim communities, is a part of this ongoing effort.

My commitment to this field is not only an academic pursuit but also a personal one, rooted in the need to understand the conditions that allow for such hatred to thrive and to explore ways the criminal justice system can better serve and protect marginalized communities.

Established in 1971, the U of R’s Justice Studies program is one of the oldest justice degree programs in Canada and the second largest department in the Faculty of Arts in terms of declared majors. Why do you think Justice Studies is a popular choice for field of study?

The Justice Studies program at the U of R has become an increasingly popular choice because it offers a comprehensive, multi-faceted perspective on criminology and justice extending well beyond traditional roles in policing and law. Students interested in this discipline find it appealing not just because of the classic roles in police or corrections but also the extensive career paths it opens across social justice, non-profits, mental health, and policy work.

This program offers students the opportunity to work directly in the field through two semesters of professional experience, which is invaluable in helping them to identify their true passions and career paths. Graduates go on to work in diverse areas—human rights, anti-poverty initiatives, youth advocacy, policy analysis, and restorative justice programs, among others. The interdisciplinarity of the field provides a robust understanding of how the criminal and legal systems impact individuals and society, inspiring many students to make a positive impact in fields that span far beyond policing alone.

In addition, cultural fascination with criminology fuelled by Hollywood films and true crime dramas has spurred public interest. Many students come into the program wanting to understand the "why" behind human behaviour and are captivated by the chance to explore the psychological and social factors underlying crime.

What are your broader goals for your new role and work related to the Justice Studies program?

My bigger goals involve working alongside colleagues in the department to build an even more vibrant and responsive Justice Studies program, one that actively engages both students and the broader community. At my previous institution, Regis University in Denver where I was Department Chair, I grew the Justice Studies program from 118 to more than 250 students in just a year and established an Advisory Board to guide the program’s growth and relevance. My aim here is to create the same momentum by aligning our curriculum closely with emerging needs in the field. For instance, I plan to develop a new course that focuses specifically on hate crimes (and the policing of these crimes)—a pressing issue that resonates globally and is highly relevant to our students and community.

I want to bring dynamic campus activities related to criminology to U of R, like those I introduced in Denver. Events such as a CSI lecture series on high-profile cases or community discussions on homelessness—with guest speakers from local law enforcement, mental health organizations, and substance abuse experts. These interactions provide invaluable learning experiences and bridge academic knowledge with practical insights. I want to foster an environment where the community feels welcomed on campus to engage with these pressing issues.

I also envision positioning the University as a central hub for research and collaboration on how Indigenous populations and minorities interact with the criminal justice system, both locally and internationally. I am especially interested in working alongside CIPSRT and creating a transnational research centre, bringing together colleagues from Canada, the U.K., and the US to examine how minority populations engage with and are impacted by the criminal justice system. This initiative would not only advance our understanding of these interactions, but also solidify U of R’s role as a leader in research on justice and minority issues, supporting both our students and our community’s needs.

What opportunities to connect and collaborate can students, faculties, and the wider community look forward to?

We already have several exciting opportunities planned. At the end of November, I am taking part in the Policing in Canada: Discourses, Debates, and the Future hosted by the Centre for Socially Engaged Theatre. 

In February 2025, Justice Studies Professor Dr. Asadullah will host the first Undergraduate Restorative Justice Conference here, where students will engage with experts and community leaders to discuss restorative justice practices and their impact. This conference, along with a series of guest speaker events, will allow students to connect with professionals across various fields, providing valuable perspectives on justice-related topics.

And in the Winter 2025 term, I am teaching a class on Community Policing where community collaborators are integrated into the curriculum. These collaborators will act as a bridge between the classroom and the real world, offering insights and practical knowledge that enhance students' understanding of policing in diverse communities.

Our unique curriculum here at the U of R offers abundant opportunities to engage not only our students but also the broader community in meaningful, socially impactful ways. Criminal justice systems increasingly rely on partnerships with non-profits, mental health organizations, domestic violence shelters, and addiction treatment centres to address root causes of crime, support rehabilitation, and prevent recidivism. Unlike the theoretical emphasis of the past—which remains foundational—today’s criminology programs equip students to engage in real-world settings.

I look forward to fostering public engagement through initiatives such as an annual lecture series that will address critical issues affecting local communities. The schedule for the free lectures will be posted to the events page on the U of R website.

Have ideas for research or community collaboration on policing of minorities and Indigenous populations? Reach out to Dr. Amin Asfari and be sure to check out the U of R Events Calendar for upcoming Justice Studies events.

About the Law Foundation of Saskatchewan Chair in Police Studies

The role was established in 2009 through an LFS donation to promote research activity on issues related to policing, including Indigenous policing issues in Saskatchewan, and to assist the recruitment of Indigenous and Métis police studies graduates for Saskatchewan RCMP, and municipal and community policing services. The Law Foundation position was most recently held by the late Dr. Rick Ruddell, a professor, researcher, and front-line supervisor in the Ministry of Corrections, Public Safety, and Policing for the Province of Saskatchewan. Learn more about the Law Foundation of Saskatchewan.