Carlee Ruiz

About Carlee Ruiz

With 7 years of experience in law enforcement data, I’m passionate about leveraging technology and data to support law enforcement and enhance public safety. My career began as a Crime and Intelligence Analyst at the Modesto Police Department, where I played a key role in developing their Real-Time Crime Center. I helped implement LPR and camera systems, provided real-time intelligence during incidents, and supported major events such as protests and natural disasters. From 2019 to 2022, I saw firsthand how the technology we implemented contributed to a significant drop in auto thefts. Modesto went from being ranked #5 in the nation for auto theft in 2018 to #54 by 2022.In addition to operational work, I led several analytical projects, including enhancing annual crime statistics, identifying crime trends for weekly CompStat meetings, and developing metrics to evaluate departmental initiatives.After earning my Master’s in Criminal Justice from Florida State University, I transitioned to RTI International as a Justice Researcher in their Policing Research Program. There, I’ve worked on national projects focused on policing technology, including developing frameworks for the ethical use of real-time crime centers and AI technologies. I also provide technical assistance and consulting to agencies, helping them enhance crime prevention strategies, solve more crimes, and build better community engagement. Currently, I’m consulting with several agencies on evaluating the effectiveness of their organized retail theft programs, particularly in leveraging technology.Throughout my career, I’ve worked with a broad range of data from crime reports and calls for service to interviews and surveys to inform decision-making and improve public safety outcomes. I’m excited about the continued opportunities in this field and always open to discussions on how data and technology can help improve law enforcement operations.

Experience

1. Justice Researcher

   RTI International

   Apr 2022 — Present

   As a Research Public Health Analyst at RTI International, I specialize in crime data analysis and applied research that supports law enforcement agencies in developing smarter, data-driven strategies. My work bridges the gap between analytical research and real-world policing, with a strong focus on violent crime reduction, organized retail theft, and ethical technology integration.I’ve led and supported numerous national and local projects aimed at improving public safety outcomes. As Project Manager for Project CLEARS, I work directly with police departments to evaluate how investigative practices impact the resolution of shootings, incorporating both data analysis and community perspectives. I also direct evaluations for California’s Organized Retail Theft initiative, developing tools to analyze multi-jurisdictional RMS data and assess the effectiveness of AI and ALPR technology in supporting targeted operations.In RETAINS, I analyze officer turnover data to help departments strengthen retention strategies, while in Project SUCCESS, I partner with the Modesto Police Department to assess youth-focused violence prevention programs. My work also includes co-developing national guidance on responsible AI use in policing through the Guidelines and Guardrails initiative, ensuring data tools are implemented ethically and effectively.With a foundation in crime analysis and years of direct collaboration with law enforcement, I bring a practical, insight-driven approach to public safety research—helping agencies use data not just to understand crime, but to actively reduce it.

Education

• UC Irvine

  Bachelor's degree in Criminology, Law, and Society & Psychology and Social Behavior

• Florida State University

  Master of Science - MS, Criminal Justice

  2020 — 2021