NCJA Evidence-Based Policy Workshop for SAAs

About the Workshop/ Handouts and Background Materials

About the Sesssion

On December 9, National Criminal Justice Association (NCJA) in partnership with the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) held a one-day workshop on evidence-based policy and practice designed specifically for state criminal justice agency administrators (SAAs).  This workshop was one component of the NCJA national training and technical assistance program funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

The agenda featured presentations and interactive discussions led by experts in the field of evidence based policy and practice.

Advancing Evidence-Based Practice
Laurie Robinson, Assistant Attorney General, Office of Justice Programs

Developing a Common Understanding of Evidence Based Practices
Phelan Wyrick, Senior Advisor, Office of Justice Programs, Carol Poole, Acting Deputy Director for Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance and Elizabeth Griffith, Senior Advisor, Bureau of Justice Assistance 

Evidence Based Crime Policy – What the Research Shows
Cynthia Lum, Ph.D, Assistant Director, Center for Evidence Based Crime Policy, George Mason University 
Dr. Cynthia Lum discussed ways to use synthesis of research for strategic leadership and management of criminal justice policy at the state level. Using the Evidence-Based Crime Prevention Matrix as an example, she explored different uses of research that could assist in establishing infrastructure for state-level strategic planning of criminal justice policies, spending, and local guidance. View Dr. Lum's PowerPoint presentation

Discussion of Challenges to Evidence Based Policy and Program Implementation
All Participants 

Using Evidence Based Corrections and Treatment Lessons to Improve Outcomes
Faye Taxman, PhD, University Professor, George Mason University, Administration of Justice ProgramSusan James-Andrews, Researcher, George Mason University, Administration of Justice Program 
Based on the literature this discussion outlined the core components of evidence based corrections and treatment research to use existing resources more wisely to improve outcomes for offenders. Dr. Taxman focused on a risk-based supervision model, converting existing alcohol and education resources into effective treatment and service integration. View Dr. Taxman's PowerPoint presentation

BJA and the NCJA are planning a series of regional workshops for SAAs and chairs of state criminal justice commissions and boards to apply the concepts explored during this workshop to identify “promising practices” at the state level based on meaningful evidence and proven outcomes.  These workshops will be held in early 2010.

Session Handouts and Background Materials

Evidence-Based Policing, Ideas in American Policing, by Lawrence W. Sherman

Translating Police Research into Practice, Ideas in American Policing, by Cynthia Lum

Evidence-Based Corrections and Treatment, by Faye Taxman

Proactive Community Supervision, by Faye Taxman