Hayley M. D. Cleary, MPP, PhD
Dr. Hayley Cleary (she/her) is an Associate Professor of Criminal Justice and Public Policy at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA, USA. She earned BAs with distinction in psychology and Russian studies from the University of Virginia, a Master of Public Policy from Georgetown University, and a PhD in developmental psychology from Georgetown University.
Dr. Cleary’s research examines adolescent behavior and decision-making in legal system contexts. The cornerstone of her research program is police interrogation—in particular, the interrogation of adolescent suspects. She strives to conduct policy-relevant research that advances scientific understanding of police interrogation processes and outcomes. Ultimately, her goal is to support policymakers, law enforcement officers, attorneys, and legal professionals in promoting justice and equity through continually reforming criminal law and legal system practices.
Dr. Cleary’s research has been funded by the National Science Foundation and the Annie E. Casey Foundation and has been featured in national news outlets, including the New York Times and New Yorker magazine. She is regularly invited to share her work with academic, law enforcement, legal, and public audiences. Dr. Cleary has given invited lectures at the FBI National Academy, the Virginia General Assembly, the International Association of Interviewers, and attorney organizations in multiple states. She has also provided written and live testimony in support of evidence-based legislation in several states.
Dr. Cleary has received several awards for her scholarship, including the 2018 Louise Kidder Early Career Award from the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues for her early career contributions to social justice research. She is frequently sought as an expert witness on police interrogations, adolescent development, and disputed confessions.
Contact Dr. Cleary
Email: hmcleary@vcu.edu
Phone: 804.827.0475