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A Framework for Evidence-Based Decision Making in State and Local Criminal Justice Systems

In June 2008, the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) launched the “Evidence-Based Decision Making in Local Criminal Justice Systems” initiative. While first developed for local-level implementation, the initiative has since been expanded and adapted to state-level decision making, and is now known as the “Evidence-Based Decision Making in State and Local Criminal Justice Systems” initiative.

The goal of the initiative is to build a systemwide framework (arrest through final disposition and discharge) that will result in more collaborative, evidence-based decision making and practices in local criminal justice systems. The initiative is grounded in the accumulated knowledge of over two decades of research on the factors that contribute to criminal reoffending and the processes and methods the justice system can employ to interrupt the cycle of reoffense. The effort seeks to equip criminal justice policymakers in local communities and at the state level with the information, processes, and tools that will result in measurable outcomes such as reductions of pretrial misconduct and post-conviction reoffending, increased cost efficiency, and improved public confidence in the justice system.

The EBDM Initiative is currently administered by the Center for Effective Public Policy and The Carey Group in partnership with NIC.