Research That Connects History, Policy, and Practice
Dr. Carter F. Smith’s work explores the intersections of criminal justice, military influence, and historical criminology. His scholarship spans law enforcement, organized crime, domestic extremism, and the long-term effects of gangs and military-trained offenders on communities and institutions. Grounded in field experience and strengthened by archival research, his studies aim to make complex topics accessible to both professional and public audiences.
Gangs & the Military Notes (Small Wars Journal)
Crime does not exist in a vacuum—it is shaped by economic instability, weak governance, and legal loopholes that allow criminal enterprises to thrive. An ongoing analysis of military-trained gang members, criminal insurgency, and regional crime evolution.
Peer-Reviewed Research
Stickle, B., Begum, P., & Smith, C.F. (2024).
Human Trafficking Hotline Analysis: Insights from Tennessee. Victims & Offenders.
Etter, G., Smith, C.F., & Rush, J.P. (2021).
Sovereign Citizens: The Laws of Man Do Not Apply to Me. Journal of Gang Research, 28(4), 1–20.
Featured Article
“Samuel Mason: Revolutionary Turncoat or Opportunistic Pirate?”
Journal of the American Revolution (2025)
Samuel Mason’s early life, much like the American colonies themselves, was defined by struggle and ambition. Born in Frederick County, Virginia, in November of 1739, Mason came of age during heightened tensions between the British Crown and its American colonies. While Mason’s role as a captain during the Revolutionary War is well-documented, his earlier military service is informative.
Books & Chapters
Topics range from military extremism to historical case studies like the trial of Sam Mason.
Private Security Today
It offer an informed and carefully investigated examination of gangs ...
Gangs and Organized Crime
It offer an informed and carefully investigated examination of gangs ...
Emergence of Relation Economy
This book provides the knowledge, tools and suggested ....
From Patriot to Pirate
From soldier to judge, to pirate and outlaw, Sam Mason's ....
Gangs and the Military
Over the past several decades, there has been a continuous....
What You'll get Here:
Gangs and Military-Trained Offenders
Domestic Extremism and Crime
Historical Crime and Frontier Justice
Security Studies and Law Practice
Higher Education
Criminal Justice Curriculum
Public Speaking and Presentations
Dr. Smith has presented his work at the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, the Southern Criminal Justice Association, the National Gang Crime Research Center, and other national and regional forums. Topics range from military extremism to historical case studies like the trial of Sam Mason.
All the Papers Published
Expect thoughtful observations, current issues in justice and security, and the stories that shape scholarship and real-world practice alike.
All the Articles Published
Expect thoughtful observations, current issues in justice and security, and the stories that shape scholarship and real-world practice alike.
There’s a new study out on CPTED
Who commits crime?
The American River Pirate
What my Readers Say
John Egan
I felt both informed and challenged—exactly what great nonfiction should do.
Meghan Roberts
Smith has a unique ability to blend lived experience with academic perspective.
Melissa Williams
He doesn’t shy away from hard truths, and that makes his work.
Heidi Trivelpiece
The content and layout of the website are simple yet highly effective.
Get Your Book Today
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