Jonathan Blanks
Jonathan Blanks
Prioritizing policy over politics and dogma

Writer, Researcher, and Communicator

Jonathan
blanks

For more than 15 years, Jonathan Blanks has provided a unique voice on policing, the courts, the U.S. Constitution, and other criminal justice issues. In recent years, he has written about the social and racial consequences of policing policy in the United States. His work has been published in a number of popular media outlets including the Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic.com, Chicago Tribune, New York Post, The New Republic, Philadelphia Inquirer, Denver Post, Reason, Democracy: A Journal of Ideas, Vice, and Vox.com, among many others. Blanks has testified before several deliberative and legislative bodies including the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. He publishes The Blanks Slate newsletter on Substack.

Blanks Headshot FULL.jpg
 

about JOnathan

identifying practical solutions

After 12 years at the Cato Institute, Blanks left the think tank world to pursue independent writing projects and consult criminal justice policy organizations. He continues to write and speak about a range of criminal justice issues and the social impacts of government policies. While Blanks maintains a skepticism of government, he supports evidence-based practices over ideological commitments and labels.

 

Recent commentary

“Prioritizing public service over arrests can reduce crime,” Foundation for Research on Equal opportunity blog

National Academy of Sciences research shows many escalated traffic stops started with antagonistic officer language

“The Art of passing,” The Blanks Slate Newsletter

How I avoid racism in overwhelmingly white spaces

“Black communities are both underpoliced and overpoliced,” Foundation for research on equal opportunity blog

Instead of making Black communities safer, police too often inflict trauma and sow distrust

“Soiling Old glory,” The Blanks Slate Newsletter

A Memorial Day reflection on the flag, my father, and red-hatted anti-patriots

“Police and prisons can only do so much about gun violence,” Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity Blog

Until the streets are safer, young men will carry illegal guns

 

policy Knowledge

Policing Policy and Accountability
Police Misconduct and Corruption
Supreme Court Criminal Law Docket
Fourth Amendment
Due Process
Racism and Public Policy
Gun Laws and Policy

Skills

Policy Analysis and Commentary

Freelance Writing

Copywriting, Editing

Public Speaking


Education

Indiana University-Bloomington

B.A., POLITICAL SCIENCE

 

Contact

Email: jpblanks@protonmail.com
Substack: @theblanksslate
Location: Washington, Dc