Richard H. Donohue

Associate Policy Researcher
Boston Office

Education

Ph.D. in criminology and criminal justice, University of Massachusetts-Lowell; M.A. in criminal justice, University of Massachusetts-Lowell; M.A. in international tourism, University of Limerick; B.A. in history, Virginia Military Institute

Overview

Richard (Dic) Donohue is an associate policy researcher at the RAND Corporation. He has experience using qualitative and quantitative methods in law enforcement research. His interests include: recruitment/retention issues, police training, response to mass casualty incidents, and law enforcement wellness and resilience. Prior to joining RAND, Donohue retired as a sergeant from the MBTA Transit Police Department, where he was awarded the George L. Hanna Medal of Honor and was recognized as a 2014 “Top Cops” recipient. He also worked as an instructor for the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s VALOR Officer Safety and Wellness Program and served as naval officer, in addition to volunteering with the American Red Cross. Donohue completed his Ph.D. in criminology and criminal justice from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. He also holds an M.A. in criminal justice from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, an M.A. in international tourism from the University of Limerick, and a B.A. in history from the Virginia Military Institute.

Research Focus

Selected Publications

Donohue, Richard, "Shades of Blue: A Review of the Hiring, Recruitment, and Selection of Female and Minority Police Officers," The Social Science Journal, 2019

Donohue, Richard, "Changing Police Roles in Response to the Opioid Epidemic: Massachusetts Departments as a Model for the Country," Law Enforcement Executive Forum, 18(4), 2018

Honors & Awards

  • George L. Hanna Medal of Honor, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
  • Transit Police Medal of Honor, MBTA Transit Police Department

Languages

Spanish

Commentary

  • Healthcare workers take part in a rehearsal for the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine at Indiana University Health in Indianapolis, Indiana, December 11, 2020, photo by Bryan Woolston/Reuters

    COVID-19 Vaccination: Expect the Unexpected

    With emergency use authorization for the first COVID-19 vaccine now in place, states and localities have turned their focus to the logistics of dispensing it as quickly as feasible. Still, uncertainties abound. It is essential to build a process of learning into the plan.

    Dec 15, 2020 The RAND Blog

  • NYPD officers distribute face masks in Washington Square Park, New York City, May 10, 2020, photo by nycshooter/Getty Images

    Police Officers: This Article Will Make You Better at Combatting Misinformation

    By deliberately addressing misinformation, police officers can promote safe and healthy behaviors among those in their communities. The actions they take to combat misinformation and improve protections in their communities are a critical part of the collective campaign to end the pandemic and help people return to their normal lives.

    Aug 24, 2020 Police1

Publications