Ross James Homel (born 1950 or 1951) is an Australian criminologist.

Career

He is best known for his extensive research where he theoretically analyses crime and applies scientific methods to develop and implement prevention and intervention strategies. Notably, his research is credited with the introduction of

random breath testing In common usage, randomness is the apparent or actual lack of pattern or predictability in events. A random sequence of events, symbols or steps often has no order and does not follow an intelligible pattern or combination. Individual ran ...

for motorists in Australia. In 1992, Homel was appointed as the foundation professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at

Griffith University Griffith University is a public research university in South East Queensland on the east coast of Australia. Formally founded in 1971, Griffith opened its doors in 1975, introducing Australia's first degrees in environmental science and Asian s ...

. He had previously been a senior lecturer at the School of Behavioural Sciences at

Macquarie University Macquarie University ( ) is a public research university based in Sydney, Australia, in the suburb of Macquarie Park. Founded in 1964 by the New South Wales Government, it was the third university to be established in the metropolitan area of S ...

. From 1992 to 1995, Homel was the editor of ''

Australian and New Zealand Journal of Criminology The ''Australian and New Zealand Journal of Criminology'' is a triannual peer-reviewed academic journal that covers criminological research. The journal was established in 1968 and is the principal journal of the Australian and New Zealand Socie ...

'' and from February 1994 to April 1999, he was a part-time commissioner with the

Queensland Criminal Justice Commission ) , nickname = Sunshine State , image_map = Queensland in Australia.svg , map_caption = Location of Queensland in Australia , subdivision_type = Country , subdivision_name = Australia , established_title = Before federation , establishe ...

which was established after the

Fitzgerald Inquiry The Commission of Inquiry into Possible Illegal Activities and Associated Police Misconduct (the Fitzgerald Inquiry; 1987–1989) into Queensland Police corruption was a judicial inquiry presided over by Tony Fitzgerald QC. The inquiry resulted ...

. After Queensland politician Gordon Nuttall was found guilty of corruption, Homel called for another inquiry to investigate potential corruption. Homel has authored more than 200 books, articles and government reports. He frequently provides commentary in the media on crime-related matters, particularly on the issue of

youth crime Juvenile delinquency, also known as juvenile offending, is the act of participating in unlawful behavior as a minor or individual younger than the statutory age of majority. In the United States of America, a juvenile delinquent is a person w ...

Awards

Homel's "Pathways to Prevention" initiative which he developed in partnership with

Mission Australia Mission Australia is a national Christian charity that provides a range of community services throughout Australia. It has its roots in the Brisbane Town and Country Mission (1859) and Sydney City Mission (1862), but was only officially establish ...

won the 2004 National Crime and Violence Prevention Award. In the

2008 Australia Day Honours The 2008 Australia Day Honours are appointments to various orders and honours to recognise and reward good works by Australian citizens. The list was announced on 26 January 2008 by the Governor General of Australia, Michael Jeffrey The Australia ...

, Homel was made an

Officer of the Order of Australia The Order of Australia is an honour that recognises Australian citizens and other persons for outstanding achievement and service. It was established on 14 February 1975 by Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia, on the advice of the Australian Gove ...

in recognition for his service to education especially in the field of criminology. In 2008, Homel was named as a

Queensland Great Queensland Day is officially celebrated on 6 June as the birthday of the Australian state of Queensland. History Moves towards statehood began with a public meeting in 1851 to consider separation of Queensland from the Colony of New South Wa ...

. In 2015, Brisbane newspaper ''

The Courier-Mail ''The Courier-Mail'' is an Australian newspaper published in Brisbane. Owned by News Corp Australia, it is published daily from Monday to Saturday in Tabloid (newspaper format), tabloid format. Its editorial offices are located at Bowen Hills, ...

'' listed Homel as one of Queensland's Top 50 "thinkers".

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Homel, Ross Australian criminologists Queensland Greats Officers of the Order of Australia Academic staff of Griffith University 1950s births Living people University of Sydney alumni