Vera Institute of Justice

Ari Kotler is a research associate with Vera's Beyond Jails initiative, employing mixed-methods research and data science to help communities reduce their reliance on jails and build better systems for public safety and justice. In their role, Ari conducts research on the construction and use of jails, pretrial detention, electronic monitoring, bail-setting practices, and housing access issues, in addition to developing best practices for using criminal legal system data. They previously worked with the Institute's Opening Doors to Housing initiative.

Before joining Vera, Ari’s work ran the gamut—from labor unions to the retail and service industries to landscaping.

In their free time, Ari enjoys playing jazz guitar and supporting their favorite soccer teams. Born in Bogotá, Colombia, but raised in Brooklyn, New York, Ari grew up just a few subway stops away from Vera's office.

Ari holds a BA in sociology, political science, and mathematics from the University of Vermont.