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Evidence-Based Decision Making

Recommended Resources

Training

  • Available Online
    Evidence-Based Practices for Supervisors
    • A Framework for Evidence-Based Decision Making in Local Criminal Justice Systems

    About this Initiative



    In June 2008, NIC partnered with the Center for Effective Public Policy to build a systemwide framework (arrest through final disposition and discharge) that when implemented will result in more collaborative, evidence-based decision making and practices in local criminal justice systems.

    The purpose of this initiative is to equip criminal justice policymakers in local communities with the information, processes, and tools that will result in measurable reductions of pretrial misconduct and post-conviction reoffending. The initiative is grounded in two decades of research on the factors that contribute to criminal reoffending and the methods the justice system can employ to interrupt the cycle of reoffense.

    Project Phases



    Phase I culminated in the development of the framework outlined in A Framework for Evidence-Based Decision Making in Local Criminal Justice Systems ("the Framework"). The Framework describes key criminal justice decision points and evidence-based knowledge about effective justice practices. It defines risk and harm reduction as key goals of the criminal justice system and begins to lay out practical local level strategies for applying these principles and techniques. (See Framework under "Read the Report" section.)

    In the second phase of this initiative, NIC – and its collaborating partner the Office of Justice Programs(OJP) – selected seven seed sites that were interested in and well positioned to pilot the Framework. These sites are:


    • Grant County, Indiana
    • Mesa County, Colorado
    • Milwaukee County, Wisconsin
    • Ramsey County, Minnesota
    • Eau Claire County, Wisconsin
    • Charlottesville, Virginia
    • Yamhill County, Oregon

    Fifty key representatives from the selected seed site teams attended a 2-day initiative kickoff workshop October 5th and 6th 2010 in Bethesda, Maryland. The purpose of the workshop was to lay the groundwork for the sites’ work; establish clear expectations for Phase II; provide opportunities for intensive, foundational team work and establish a working network among the selected sites as well as between those from the same discipline (i.e., prosecutors, judges, etc.).

    While no direct funding was provided to jurisdictions selected to participate in the initiative, seed sites received the benefit of technical assistance from a team of providers with expertise in evidence-based decision making, management, and operations in all facets of the criminal justice system (i.e., NIC, OJP, and its consortium of providers and others as may be needed).

    Seed sites participated in an initiative evaluation, administered by The Urban Institute, and designed to document and evaluate the effectiveness of the TA delivery methods and assess each site’s readiness to implement the full framework in Phase III.

    The National Institute of Corrections is pleased to announce that it will continue its technical assistance support to all seven “seed site” jurisdictions in the implementation phase of the Evidence Based Decision Making in Local Criminal Justice Systems (EBDM) Initiative (Phase III, 18 months). The decision to proceed with all seven sites is the result of the leadership commitment and the impressive change strategies proposed by the sites in their Phase III implementation plans (the results of the 10-month Phase II planning efforts).

    NIC will provide a tiered approach to the technical assistance support. Three jurisdictions will receive a higher level of technical assistance as Tier I sites: Eau Claire County, Wisconsin, Mesa County, Colorado, and Milwaukee County, Wisconsin. Assistance to the other four sites, while more limited, also will focus on the successful implementation of critical change strategies. All sites will receive coaching assistance from a technical assistance provider and specific technical expertise in critical content areas; all will continue to participate in collaborative learning opportunities, through workshops and web-based communications.

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    Recommended Reading

    Date Title Type
    2010 NIC Publication
    A Framework for Evidence-Based Decision Making in Local Criminal Justice Systems
    This report is essential reading for individuals wanting to achieve "measurable reductions of pretrial misconduct and post-conviction reoffending" (p.6). Eight sections follow an introduction (a new paradigm for the justice system): underlying premis... Read More
    		PDF
    2011 NIC Publication
    Measuring What Matters: Outcome and Performance Measures for the Pretrial Services Field
    “This monograph presents recommended outcome and performance measures and mission-critical data … [that] will enable pretrial service agencies to gauge more accurately their programs’ effectiveness in meeting agency and justice system goals” (p. v). ... Read More
    		PDF
    2011
    Return on Investment: Evidence-Based Options to Improve Statewide Outcomes--July 2011 Update
    An overview is presented of findings (as of July 2011) regarding “a comprehensive list of programs and policies that improve … outcomes for children and adults in Washington and result in more cost-efficient use of public resources” (p. 1). Sections ... Read More
    		WEB
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    Available Training Opportunities

    • Available Online - Evidence-Based Practices for Supervisors
      This e-course is intended for first-line supervisors responsible for either line staff or line officers whose daily responsibilities require direct interaction with offenders and whose agencies have made a commitment to implement evidence-based practices. However, other position levels may find value in this e-course.
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