Professor Thompkins has done extensive research into the culture of violence within the prison community and the relationship between institutional social control policies and prisoner reentry. He is principle investigator on the research part of the CUNY’s Black Male Initiative, and works closely with students interested in conducting original research. He is currently conducting research which looks at barriers to successful reentry and the growth of the “Reentry Industry”; and, research investigating reasons for lower rates of participation in traditional social institutions such as education, by Black men, compared to other groups. He is a member of the Advisory Committee for the Prisoner Reentry Institute, serves on the Board of Directors for the Fortune Society, and is an Advisor to the Public Safety Initiative run by the Lifers Organization at the state prison in Graterford, PA. Professor Thompkins spent time in state prison and is a former member of a Chicago street gang.