Research and Resources
Research and Resources web_adminResearch
Research is often defined as careful consideration of a study regarding a particular concern or problem using scientific methods. Fortunately, for the past three decades, there has been a growing movement among criminologists and corrections practitioners to discern the principles of effective intervention and in deciphering what interventions have empirical support. The field has been significantly changed and much improved with the term and use of “evidence-based practices”, especially in the areas of probation, parole, and pretrial services. The following resources will provide studies in a variety of topics for practitioners from applications, policies, and practices that show promising results.
Resources
Sources of support, ideas, materials, and research covering a broad range of corrections and law enforcement-related topics.
Emerging Issues and Special Topics
As research continues to emerge, demographics shift, and unpredictable and unprecedented events occur, leadership must be aware of the effect these occurrences have on the corrections profession and adapt and revise accepted policy and practice.
Research
Research Anonymous (not verified)Research is often defined as careful consideration of a study regarding a particular concern or problem using scientific methods. Fortunately, for the past three decades, there has been a growing movement among criminologists and corrections practitioners to discern the principles of effective intervention and in deciphering what interventions have empirical support. The field has been significantly changed and much improved with the term and use of “evidence-based practices”, especially in the areas of probation, parole, and pretrial services. The following resources will provide studies in a variety of topics for practitioners from applications, policies, and practices that show promising results.
Impact Evidence
Data documenting the effects of actions and whether desired objectives and goals have been reached.
Implementation Science
When applied in a criminal justice context, as with other human services settings, implementation science ‘incorporates three frameworks: 1) intervention components, 2) implementation drivers, and 3) implementation states.” When applied and continuously adjusted with new data, each framework increases opportunities for achieving desired outcomes in community supervision practice.
Evidence-Based Practices
Evidence-based practices (EBP) applied in correctional settings are built upon empirical research and data rather than generally depending upon anecdotal experience and perceptions. Agencies must define desired yet realistic, measurable outcomes in applying EBP in case management and of persons under supervision.
Assessment Tools and Their Uses
Validated actuarial tools used to identify an individual's risk, need, and strengths to guide decision-making in case management and community supervision processes. v
Fidelity
Fidelity is critical to ensure effective correctional practice. Within an evidence-based context, it ensures accurate and reliable information and data that is valid and replicable over time and in other settings. Fidelity asks, "Does the innovation adhere to the original design throughout delivery?"
Impact Evidence
Impact Evidence web_adminData documenting the effects of actions and whether desired objectives and goals have been reached.
A Corrections Workforce for the 21st Century
Date: June 2019
This article from Federal Probation discusses the need for future effective community supervision and how to advance officers by building a culture of effective practice beyond what, how, and why.Low-risk Offenders Under Probation Supervision: Risk Management and the Risk-Needs-Responsivity Framework
Date: August 2018
This study by Jill Viglione and Faye Taxman explores the probation officer's perceptions on the use of telephonic supervision of low-risk probationers and how the officer attitudes impact the supervision and the tendency to over-supervise due to the perception of telephone monitoring and public safety.
Community Supervision in a Digital World, Challenges, and Opportunities
Date: 2021
This document provides the key findings from a virtual workshop held in June 2020 by the National Institute of Justice supported by the RAND Corporation in partnership with the University of Denver. It discusses challenges related to supervising individuals in an increasingly digital world. The findings include organizational issues, tools and training, policy and practice, legal and privacy concerns, and research.Collateral Consequences Resource Center
Date: N.D.
This website provides various resources on the collateral consequences of criminal conviction and the restoration of rights. Resources include current issues in the news, research, commentary, and tools to inform community corrections agencies and professionals.Implementation Teams: The Missing Link for Scaling and Sustain Effective Practice
Date: September 2020
This article discusses the requirements for effective and ongoing training of staff.
Probation and Parole in the United States, 2020
Date: December 2021
This report, produced from the Bureau of Justice Statistics Annual Probation Survey, Annual Parole Survey, and Federal Justice Statistics Program, outlines the collected data on the characteristics of adults placed on correctional supervision who were removed from supervision.The NIJ Recidivism Forecasting Challenge: Contextualizing the Results
Date: February 2022
This National Institute of Justice study of the state of Georgia's demographic data of individuals released from incarceration and tested the data for probabilities of recidivism models of one, two, and three years after release.Program Profile: Arkansas Division of Community Correction Texting Protocol
Date: November 2022
This study from global business messaging provider MessageMedia and Marquis Software, a leading platform for Offender Management Systems, outlines the outcomes of text messaging appointment reminders for community supervision.Beyond Correctional Quackery-Professionalism and the Possibility of Effective Treatment
Date: September 2002
This article from Federal Probation reminds practitioners of the eight principles of effective correctional intervention and is helpful for practitioners to revisit.Revocations for Failure to Comply with Supervision Conditions and Sentencing Outcomes
Date: June 2022
This issue from "Just the Facts" is a feature that highlights issues and trends in the Judiciary based on data collected by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AO). This issue highlights supervision data and results.Pretrial Research Summaries | Advancing Pretrial Policy & Research (APPR)
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Advancing Pretrial Policy and Research is a resource guide and website providing pretrial research summaries on a variety of pretrial topics which examine the effectiveness of pretrial practices. The wide range of topics is continually reviewed and updated as research is available. New training and webinars are also included on this site.
Implementation Science
Implementation Science web_adminWhen applied in a criminal justice context, as with other human services settings, implementation science ‘incorporates three frameworks: 1) intervention components, 2) implementation drivers, and 3) implementation states.” When applied and continuously adjusted with new data, each framework increases opportunities for achieving desired outcomes in community supervision practice.
Court Date Notifications: A Summary of Research and Best Practices
Date: March 2021
This study from the New York City Criminal Justice Agency researches the reasons for failures to appear for court appearances and how the court date notification system can play a key role in decreasing FTAs. The study also touches on using person-centered language when dealing with justice-involved individuals. The current language used results in stigma and marginalized labeling of the person's status. Alternative language examples are provided.Using Implementation Science to Transform Policy into Practice: The Federal Probation and Pretrial Services System's Evidenced-Based Journey
Date: September 2020
This article examines the current state of the federal probation and pretrial system and highlights some of its successes and shortfalls. This study utilizes quantitative and qualitative methods to evaluate the current system's evidence-based practices and programming.A Review of Best Practices in Probation for LA County
Date: April 2017
This study by Resource Development Associates of the LA County Probation Department identifies, outlines, and recommends the steps necessary for organizational change and provides guidance for implementing evidence-based and best practices.The First Step Act of 2018: One Year of Implementation
Date: August 2020
This report overview of key findings from the U.S. Sentencing Commission reviews the first year of implementation of the impacts of the five provisions related to sentencing reform compared to the previous year. Links to the full report and facts at a glance are also available.
The 10 Essential Principles of Implementation Leadership: Real World Applications of Change Leadership Acumen
Date: September 2020
This article from Federal probation outlines the steps necessary to use the implementation science community. It offers compelling evidence that traditional change and implementation initiatives have even higher failure rates when working to implement evidence-based solutions to improve organizational outcomes. In addition, the article provides how leaders must equip the staff in their organizations with interdisciplinary knowledge, complex skills, and practice models, all delivered with the effective application of implementation science.
Evidence-Based Practices
Evidence-Based Practices web_adminEvidence-based practices (EBP) applied in correctional settings are built upon empirical research and data rather than generally depending upon anecdotal experience and perceptions. Agencies must define desired yet realistic, measurable outcomes in applying EBP in case management and of persons under supervision.
Fidelity to Evidence-based Practices: Our Obligation to Effective Supervision and Service Delivery
Date September 2020
This article from the US Courts and Federal Probation Journal reviews the benefits of evaluating fidelity within organizations. In addition, it provides strategies and decision points to consider when developing a fidelity evaluation process.Florida State University Institute for Justice Research and Development
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This university site offers stakeholders, including law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, corrections professionals, service providers, justice-involved individuals, and policymakers, using comprehensive scientific research to make informed, data-driven decisions. These decisions generate, inform, and implement criminal justice solutions through research and evidence-based practices.
Using Evidence to Reduce Recidivism
Date: December 2019
This video was produced at the 2019 Arizona Judicial Conference describing the research conducted on risk assessments and practices by Dr. Ed Latessa. He describes the outcomes of a reform process that works in his unique way.A Guide for Using Administrative Data to Examine Long-term Outcomes in Program Evaluation
Date: August 2021
This guide, funded by the Department of Health and Human Services and produced by MDRC, a private organization created in 1974 by the Ford Foundation and federal agencies to improve the well-being of people who are economically disadvantaged, provides a resource to assist program evaluation teams—including funders, sponsors, and evaluation research partners—in assessing the feasibility and potential value of examining long-term outcomes using administrative data. In addition, it describes common steps involved in linking evaluation and administrative data.American Psychological Association - Rehabilitating Criminal Justice Policy and Practice
Date: 2010
For over 30 years, criminal justice policy has been dominated by a “get tough” approach to offenders. Increasing punitive measures have failed to reduce criminal recidivism and instead have led to a rapidly growing correctional system that has strained government budgets.Implementation Science in Criminal Justice: How Implementation of Evidence-based Programs and Practices Affects Outcomes
Date: October 2017
This article discusses evidence-based practices and the need for evaluating and understanding agency and organizations' readiness to adopt change before moving towards implementation.
Assessment Tools and Their Uses
Assessment Tools and Their Uses web_adminValidated actuarial tools used to identify an individual's risk, need, and strengths to guide decision-making in case management and community supervision processes.
Welcome to the CJ-TRAK Knowledge Translation Tool Suite
Date: N.D.
The Center for Advancing Correctional Excellence (ACE!) at George Mason University developed the CJ-TRACK resource. The site provides resources that support using tools linked to risk, needs, and responsivity.
Using Evidence to Reduce Recidivism
Date: December 2019
This video was produced at the 2019 Arizona Judicial Conference describing the research conducted on risk assessments and practices by Dr. Ed Latessa. He describes the outcomes of a reform process that works in his unique way.Pretrial Risk Assessment in Practice, Lessons, and Research from Indiana
Date: July 2020
This webinar presents the implementation and validation efforts in the use of the Indiana Risk Assessment System (IRAS) and the Pretrial Assessment Tool (PAT)Pretrial Justice Reform Study: Evaluation of Pretrial Justice System Reforms That Use the Public Safety Assessment
Date: November 2019
This 2019 study by MDRC outlines the effects of New Jersey’s criminal justice reform pertaining to pretrial assessments and release decisions after the adoption of the Public Safety Assessment.Washington Offender Needs Evaluation: Review and Examination of Reassessments
Date: December 2021
This report reviews the risk assessment for the State of Washington with valuable discussion of validity and fidelity.Washington Offender Needs Evaluation (Washington ONE): Evaluating Community Contact Impact
Date: October 2022
This 2020 study from the Washington State Institute for Public Policy provides information regarding contact standards tied to the risk assessments of individuals and the changes in contact over time with relationship to the reassessments of individuals under supervision.Advancing Fairness and Transparency: National Guidelines for Post-Conviction Risk and Needs Assessment
Date: August 2022
This introduction to the National Guidelines for Post-Conviction Risk and Needs Assessment identifies the needs addressed by the guidelines.Needing More Guidance: Adherence to Offender Needs in Case Plan Objective Journal 2021 Corrections Policy, Practice and Research
Date: December 2021
This 2007 study summarizes the role of the principles in the development of risk assessment instruments and provides risk-needs model for assessments. It also explains why some interventions work and others do not. This may be a fee-based publication.ABSTRACT
The risk-need-responsivity (RNR) model has become a standard formula for developing and assessing offender treatment programs. It has also become increasingly used to guide case management practices. However, less focus has been given to the impact of adhering to these principles within the development of case plan objectives. The current study has two objectives. The first objective is to draw attention to the lack of literature examining the impacts of case plan adherence to RNR on offender outcomes. The second intention is to contribute to this field by examining the impact of case plan adherence to the need principle on recidivism among a sample of halfway house clients. Results show that higher adherence within one need domain, employment/education, was related to significantly lower recidivism. Overall, these findings indicate that adherence to the need principle in offender case plans may improve client outcomes. They also underline a need for more research on the development and impacts of case plan objectives.
Fidelity
Fidelity web_adminFidelity is critical to ensure effective correctional practice. Within an evidence-based context, it ensures accurate and reliable information and data that is valid and replicable over time and in other settings. Fidelity asks, "Does the innovation adhere to the original design throughout delivery?"
Science Direct: Treatment Fidelity
Date: Various dates of topics
This site from Science Direct, a platform that brings a variety of publications from science, technical, and health publications, provides numerous studies on different aspects of fidelity, how treatments are delivered competently and consistently as intended.Fidelity to Evidence-based Practices: Our Obligation to Effective Supervision and Service Delivery
Date September 2020
This article from the US Courts and Federal Probation Journal reviews the benefits of evaluating fidelity within organizations. In addition, it provides strategies and decision points to consider when developing a fidelity evaluation process.UC College of Education Criminal Justice and Human Services
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The College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services, with the School of Information Technology (CECH) is dedicated to making a difference in our communities through outreach, academic programs, and community partnerships.
Resources
Resources Anonymous (not verified)Sources of support, ideas, materials, and research covering a broad range of corrections and law enforcement-related topics.
Federal Resource Links
Office of Justice Programs (OJP)
https://www.ojp.gov/
The Office of Justice Programs is a federal agency that provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, assist victims and enhance the rule of law by strengthening the criminal and juvenile justice systems. Its six program offices support state and local crime-fighting efforts, fund thousands of victim service programs, help communities manage sex offenders, address the needs of youth in the system and children in danger, and provide vital research and data. Agencies under OJP include:
Bureau of Justice Assistance
(BJA), a federal agency within the Department of Justice, provides services to a broad range of stakeholders to address and reduce crime.
Bureau of Justice Statistics
(BJS), a federal agency within the Department of Justice, is a source of criminal justice and corrections statistical data.
Office for Victims of Crime
(OVC), a federal agency within the Department of Justice, is committed to enhancing the Nation’s capacity to assist crime victims and to providing leadership in changing attitudes, policies, and practices to promote justice and healing for all victims of crime.
2019 OVC Report to the Nation: Fast Facts Fact Sheet
Date: 2019
This Office for Victims of Crime Reports covering fiscal years 2017–2018 programs and services describes outcomes and results provided to victims of crime and expansion of serves available to victims of crime.National Institute of Justice
(NIJ), is the research, development and evaluation agency of the U.S. Department of Justice.
Federal Pretrial Release Report 2011-2018
Date: March 2022
This Bureau of Justice Statistics report presents data on defendants who were released or detained pretrial by federal district courts, including the type of release or detention and whether defendants returned to custody for misconduct during their release.Census of Jails, 2005–2019 – Statistical Tables
Date: October 2021
This report details the characteristics of jail populations, including demographics, conviction status, and the most serious offenses. It also reports data on persons supervised in programs outside of jail. Finally, the data also includes data on those unconvicted and awaiting court action on a current charge or held for other reasons, such as persons incarcerated for violating probation and parole.ADAPT: Adaptive Defensive and Protective Tactics Research Report
Date: March 2022
The Current State of Police Control and Defensive Tactics Training provides a new model program called Adaptive Defensive and Protective Tactics (ADAPT). ADAPT is based on the concept that the foundation of officer safety is the ability to adapt decisively to dynamic circumstances and conditions.Valor Officer Safety and Wellness Program
Date: 2010-2022
This site serves as a resource for numerous training programs improving skills for safety and wellness developed through the Office of Justice Programs and has been in existence for ten years. VALOR is continuously evolving to address the various issues, concerns, and trends that law enforcement officers face and integrates the latest research and practices to address all aspects of officer safety, wellness, and performance.The Role of Human Service Providers During Community Supervision
Date: September 2021
This paper summarizes what is known about the human service needs of people under community supervision. It outlines how community supervision can facilitate or impede the meaningful delivery of programs, treatment, and other services to people on probation, parole, and pretrial release.
Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Program Resource Center
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This resource site from the Bureau of Justice Assistance promotes resources to support local, state, and tribal communities to fight against substance use and misuse to reduce overdose deaths in communities. Resources include treatment and recovery services through grants, technical assistance, and training.Research on Offender Decision-making and Desistance from Crime: A Multi-Theory Assessment of Offender Cognition Change
Date: January 2021
This 2021 study funded by the Office of Justice Programs looks at the impact of cognitive programming and supervision interventions on persons under community supervision by examining the desistance created in their thinking, beliefs, and decision-making while on supervision and beyond.Results from the National Institute of Justice Recidivism Forecasting Challenge
Date: March 2022
This 2022 publication and list of winning papers and resources provides recidivism forecasts through data sharing and open competition.The Many Roads to Reintegration
Date: 2020
This website and report by the Collateral Consequences and Resource Center provide resources in a 50-state report on laws restoring rights and opportunities after arrest or conviction.
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Standards and Conformity Assessment Program
Date: October 2012
The NIJ Standards and Testing Program fosters development of equipment standards and related conformity assessment programs that specifically address the needs of law enforcement, corrections and other criminal justice agencies. The goal is to ensure to the degree possible that equipment is safe, reliable and performs according to established minimum requirements.Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
A component of the Office of Justice Programs within the U.S. Department of Justice, OJJDP works to prevent and respond to youth delinquency and protect children.
FBI Crime/Law Enforcement Stats (Uniform Crime Reporting Program)
Date: Through 2019
The FBI enforces federal law and investigates a variety of criminal activities, including terrorism, cybercrime, white-collar crimes, public corruption, civil rights violations, and other major crimes. This site provides various resource information provided to and from the FBI for agency use.Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation.
Intercept 5: Community Corrections
People under correctional supervision are usually on probation or parole as part of their sentence, as part of the step-down process from prison, or as part of other requirements by state statutes.
National Reentry Resource Center
Financial Support for Victims of Crime: A Quick Guide for Corrections and Community Supervision Officers
Date: August 2018
This document from the National Reentry Resource Center serves as a guide and additional resources for officers to better understand the issues around restitution collection and support for victims of crimes committed by persons under supervision.
United States Sentencing Commission
The First Step Act of 2018: One Year of Implementation
Date: August 2020
This report overview of key findings from the U.S. Sentencing Commission reviews the first year of implementation of the impacts of the five provisions related to sentencing reform compared to the previous year. Links to the full report and facts at a glance are also available.US Sentencing Commission: 2023 Guidelines Manual Annotated(link is external)
Date: November 2023
The 2023 Guidelines Manual Annotated offers quick integrated access to guidelines history and reasons for amendments.
Organizations and Associations
Entities that provide information and services to various aspects of the corrections and criminal justice field.
The American Probation and Parole Association
(APPA) is a national voice for the field of community corrections with a stated mission "To support educational excellence with quality leadership and professional management through education, research, and recognition.
Association of Paroling Authorities International (APAI)
Association of Paroling Authorities International (APAI)
The Association of Paroling Authorities International is a global association dedicated to the accomplishment of public safety and successful offender reentry through training, education, standards of evidence-based research and best practices, providing peer-based technical assistance and support in collaboration with strategic partners. APAI also offers a Mentoring program that sees to foster a supportive environment for the personal and professional growth of leaders of paroling and releasing authorities.
Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center
As an arm of CSG, the Justice Center "brings together state and local officials and subject matter experts to discuss challenges and best practices in policy areas directly related to public safety issues and justice to strengthen communities."
Justice Center/Council of State Governments Cost Calculator
Date: Based on 2017 and 2019 data
The course corrections cost calculator from the Council of State Governments Justice Center is a tool that may assist each state in identifying potential cost savings by changing practices in probation and parole.More Community, Less Confinement
Date: Data collected 2018-2020
This interactive site from the Justice Center at the Council of State Governments provides a state-by-state analysis of how supervision violations impacted prison populations during the COVID-19 pandemic.Preparing People for Reentry
Date: October 2021
Beginning with the pandemic but also looking to jail overcrowding and releases, Jails and prisons need to ensure safe releases of individuals returning to Communities. This reentry checklist from the Council of State Governments Justice Center assists in making the best decisions to include vaccinations and other critical needs for release.Actionable Data to Promote Public Safety by State/Justice Counts
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This resource site, with national and state dashboards provided by the Council of State Governments Justice Center, provides a view of public and aggregate criminal justice data in all fifty states with usable information about criminal justice systems.
https://justicecounts.csgjusticecenter.org/?mc_cid=80828ad1e0&mc_eid=45948a5b12
https://csgjusticecenter.org/events/how-to-make-justice-count-introducing-consensus-driven-metrics-for-criminal-justice-data/
https://vimeo.com/665740858?embedded=true&source=video_title&owner=108354081States Taking Action: Flipping the Script on Parole
Date: September 2020
This link to the Council of State Governments site describes the action of several states in rethinking parole and legislation proposed to make changes. States Taking Action: Flipping the Script on Parole - CSG Justice Center - CSG Justice CenterJustice Reinvestment in Vermont Results of Racial Equity in Sentencing Analysis
Date: April 2022
This 2022 study by the Council of State Governments Justice Center describes the Justice Reinvestment Initiative in Vermont which examined racial equity and measures to correct existing inequities.Trauma Informed Approaches Across the Sequential Intercept Model
Date: August 2022
This 2022 report from the Council of State Governments Justice Center describes the impact of trauma among people in the criminal justice system and provides tangible action approaches during different criminal justice intercepts, from community services and law enforcement to community corrections.The Importance of Making Data-Driven Restitution Decisions
Date: April 2022
This 2022 article and study summary discusses important changes necessary to collect important data points to track accurate restitution information for agencies and decision-makers. This also links to the studies conducted in four states for data improvements in collecting restitution information.
AELE (Americans for Effective Law Enforcement)
Americans for Effective Law Enforcement (AELE)
Date: September 2022
This site provides resources regarding legal decisions on various law enforcement, corrections, and employment topics. They also maintain special topic collections that are relevant to the corrections field. AELE is also a source of training seminars and webinars on topics for law enforcement, including firearms, electronic control weapons, and the use of force.
Crime Solutions
Crime Solutions: National Institute of Justice Resource Link
Date: undated
Crime Solutions, a resource link through the National Institute of Justice, can serve as a valuable resource site on what works in justice-related programs and practices through program effectiveness ratings and program profiles. Some articles are at no cost but can require membership for research and other articles.
Integrated Justice Systems (IJIS)
Technological Trends in Custodial and Community Corrections
Date: March 2017
This publication from IJIS Institute/Corrections Tech 2020 provides a vision for using technology for future custodial and community corrections supervision strategies. The IJIS Institute Corrections Advisory Committee aims to advance information sharing standards among the jail, institutional, and community corrections communities through private-public collaboration.
Pew Charitable Trusts
States Can Shorten Probation and Protect Public Safety
Date: December 2020
This report, by the Pew Charitable Trusts, provides an in-depth analysis of the Bureau of Justice Statistics data from 2000 through 2018 to provide a first-of-its-kind national and state-level portrait of the average length of probation and explores whether term lengths of supervision can be safely reduced and what options are available for state policymakers looking to improve their system's outcomes.Policy Reforms Can Strengthen Community Supervision: A Framework to Improve Probation and Parole
Date: April 2020
This publication from PEW Charitable Trusts Public Safety Performance, supported by Arnold Ventures, established the Advisory Council on Community Supervision to develop a policy framework for state lawmakers, court officers, and community corrections personnel to improve and impact supervision for probation and parole.Massachusetts Probation Service Offers Innovative Alternatives to Incarceration
Guided by research, community corrections centers strengthen treatment program contracts
Date: April 2021
This article outlines a 2019 statewide study (included) funded by the Pew Charitable Trusts on the impact of community corrections centers on the variety of persons under supervision, including probation, drug courts, and pretrial.
January 2020 Study: https://archives.lib.state.ma.us/bitstream/handle/2452/820605/ocm70956504-FY2019.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
Fines and Fees Justice Center Reform Alliance
50 State Survey: Probation and Parole Fees
Date: May 2022
This publication from the Fines and Fees Justice Center Reform Alliance provides a state-by-state review of the scope of probation and parole fees and the consequences for failure to pay at the time of publication.
Urban Institute
Assessing North Carolina's Changes to Supervision Revocation Policy
Date: January 2021
This study from the Urban Institute on the Justice Reinvestment Initiative was approached in North Carolina to review changes to their supervision policies.
Council on Criminal Justice
Long Sentences by the Numbers
Date: Spring 2022
This study by the Council on Criminal Justice in the Spring of 2022 outlines data showing the impact of longer sentences in the country. The release category information is important for supervising agencies who receive persons who have served long sentences.
Policy Research Associates (PRA)
Understanding the Population of People with Frequent Jail Contact
Date: 2023
Understanding the Population of People with Frequent Jail Contact was mixed-methods project that examined the flow of people with frequent jail contact through the criminal legal system across three counties in the United States. The project assessed the counties’ strategies to reduce frequent jail contact, especially the impact that those strategies had on People of Color and people with behavioral health conditions.
Washington State Institute for Public Policy (WSIPP)
Legal Financial Obligations in Washington State: Background, Statutes, and 50-State Review
Date: December 2021
This resource provides background, statutes, and a 50-state review of legal and financial obligations of persons under supervision.
Pretrial Justice Institute (PJI)
Pretrial Justice Institute PJI Publications and Resources
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The Pretrial Justice Institute, an independent private organization that partners with foundations and other organizations dedicated to pretrial reform. They have a wide array of publications, including information on risk instruments, pretrial practices, and links to interactive maps on incarceration data. This link is to a variety of pretrial resources available from the Pretrial Justice Institute
Research Triangle Institute (RTI) International
www.rti.org
RTI International is an independent, nonprofit research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Our vision is to address the world's most critical problems with science-based solutions in pursuit of a better future.
Robina Institute of Criminal Law and Criminal Justice - University of Minnesota
Aligning Supervision Conditions with Risk and Needs
The Robina Institute of Criminal Law and Criminal Justice and the University of Cincinnati Corrections Institute are partnering on a three-year project, “Aligning Supervision Conditions with Risk and Needs,” to improve how supervision conditions are set for people on probation and parole by creating improved alignment between supervision conditions and the factors related to their likelihood of reoffending.
NCSL – National Conference of State Legislatures
https://www.ncsl.org/about-us
NCSL represents the legislatures in the states, territories and commonwealths of the U.S. Its mission is to advance the effectiveness, independence and integrity of legislatures and to foster interstate cooperation and facilitate the exchange of information among legislatures.
Reentry
Paving the Way Home: An Evaluation of the Returning Citizen's Stimulus Program
Date: September 2021
The Returning Citizen's Program (RCP) was a cash transfer program that offered financial support to returning citizens during the critical period after release. The findings presented by MDRC, a private organization created in 1974 by the Ford Foundation and federal agencies to improve the well-being of people who are economically disadvantaged, suggest that RCS may provide a promising model for emerging research and reentry integration.Recruitment, Assessment, and Retention in the Direct Care Workforce for Individuals with Criminal Records: A Comprehensive Model Approach
Date: September 2021
Anticipated worker shortages have prompted national conversations about the potential benefits and considerations involved in hiring individuals with criminal records for the direct care workforce. This National Institute of Justice publication examines the considerations needed to explore the opportunity to hire individuals with criminal records in direct service positions.Incarceration to Employment, The White House Strategy
Date: April 2022
This newly released document from the Biden/Harris administration outlines a plan to assist with employment for formerly incarcerated individuals.Helping Individuals Experiencing Homelessness Obtain Identification Documents
Date: February 2022
This February 2022 Resource Manual and Toolkit from Homeless and Housing Resource Center assists provide to guide individuals experiencing homelessness obtain critical forms of identification.
Other
https://www.crimemapping.com/
CrimeMapping.com utilizes an advanced mapping engine, which helps us provide a high level of functionality as well as flexibility to the agencies we serve. Crime data is extracted on a regular basis from each department's records system so that the information being viewed through a Web browser is the most current available. This data is always verified for accuracy and all address information is generalized by block in order to help ensure privacy is protected.
From Crime Mapping to Crime Forecasting: The Evolution of Place-based Policing
Date: July 2019
This 2019 publication from the National Institute of Justice provides an overview of crime-mapping in policing.Justice Research and Statistics Association (JRSA)
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JRSA, a national non-profit organization, is a resource center for researchers, analysts, journalists and practitioners of justice research.iMPRoVE
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A tool to measure service quality and outcomes.
Emerging Issues and Special Topics
Emerging Issues and Special Topics Anonymous (not verified)As research continues to emerge, demographics shift, and unpredictable and unprecedented events occur, leadership must be aware of the effect these occurrences have on the corrections profession and adapt and revise accepted policy and practice.
COVID-19
Caused by a coronavirus (specifically a SARS virus), COVID-19 became a worldwide pandemic. Beginning in March 2020, the effect on criminal justice and all functions of corrections have been massive, an impact that continues to resonate worldwide.
Pandemic Preparedness and Response Among Community Supervision Agencies
Date: 2020
This article discusses the results of a survey from April 2020 into how community supervision agencies adapted to the stay-in-place orders mandated by the pandemic and its impact on supervision, future planning, and preparedness.Pandemic Statement: Exit Statement from Community Corrections Executives
Preparation Date: 2020
This statement from community supervision executives outlines recommendations and steps on the importance of best practices during the COVID-19 crisis.COVID-19: How are Pretrial Service Agencies Dealing with the Coronavirus?
Date: 2020
This webinar presented by the National Institute of Corrections discusses the policy and implementations to address the operations for the judiciary and pretrial during the pandemic. It includes lessons learned for current and future operations.Maricopa County Adult Probation Department Operations During Public Health Emergency
Date: August 2020
This policy example outlines the modified operations of the Maricopa County Adult Probation Department in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The policy was developed to meet the requirements of federal and state orders while maintaining operations to ensure staff and public safety.Minimum Supervision for Probation, Pretrial and Pre-Sentence
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This policy from the Arizona Supreme Court sets out minimum requirements for probation departments in the state as they respond to supervision during the pandemic.
American Probation and Parole Association Webinars on the Pandemic
This three-part webinar series presents panelists from community corrections agencies to discuss responses and impacts of the pandemic.
- Community Corrections Virtual Roundtable on COVID Pandemic 1
Date: April 9, 2020 - Community Corrections Virtual Roundtable on COVID Pandemic 2
Date: May 12, 2020 - Community Corrections Virtual Roundtable on COVID Pandemic 3
Date: June 29, 2021
- Community Corrections Virtual Roundtable on COVID Pandemic 1
American Probation and Parole: Community Corrections Roundtable #6 COVID-19 Experiences
Date: December 2020
This webinar continues the discussion of the effects of the pandemic focusing on the impacts on justice-involved individuals on active supervision.American Probation and Parole: Community Corrections Roundtable #5: Using Research to Understand How the Coronavirus Pandemic Has Changed Community Corrections Operations
Date: December 2020
This webinar session provides key findings by researchers and scientists from information gathered during the pandemic, reflecting the functions, experiences, and adaptations of agencies and their impacts on supervision.American Probation and Parole: Community Corrections Roundtable #4 Probation Officers on the Front Lines Against COVID-19
Date: Approx. September 2020
This webinar continues the discussion of the impacts and effects COVID-19 has had on officers operating on the front lines of probation supervision. Individuals discuss the changes to operations and their effects while maintaining supervision of individuals.COVID Resources for Treatment Courts, Treatment Courts, and COVID-19: Adapting Operations
Date: December 2020
The National Association of Drug Court Professionals partnered with the Northwest Professional Consortium (NPC Research) and the Bureau of Justice Assistance to research how treatment courts adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings are assembled in this report detailing the innovative ways programs overcame restrictions to keep participants engaged and healthy.Training During a Pandemic: The Federal Probation and Pretrial Academy's Journey into a Virtual World
Date: June 2021
The authors of this article describe the response of the Federal Probation and Pretrial Academy's use of virtual classes for federal probation and pretrial services officers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lessons learned from adopted applications to ensure quality training could continue.Georgia Department of Community Supervision, A Not so New Normal 2021
Date: 2021
This document describes how the Georgia Department of Community Supervision responded to the COVID-19 pandemic and continued to pursue best practices in supervising individuals while navigating the challenges of the pandemic for both staff and the justice-involved individuals under their supervision. Policies and practices were adapted to provide new methods of supervision that continued to meet the mission of the department.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Creating a culture that strives to recognize and incorporate all people's unique and important qualities and that values and backgrounds, often overlooked and underrepresented, are incorporated into the development of correctional policy and practice.
Support of Racial Equality and Justice
Date: July 2020
The resolution from the Conference of Chief Justices and the Conference of State Court Administrators adopted in 2020 outlines their position on fairness and racial equality in the court systems. Creating a culture that strives to recognize and incorporate all people's unique and important qualities and that values and backgrounds, often overlooked and underrepresented, are incorporated into the development of correctional policy and practice.Justice Reinvestment in Vermont Results of Racial Equity in Sentencing Analysis
Date: April 2022
This 2022 study by the Council of State Governments Justice Center describes the Justice Reinvestment Initiative in Vermont which examined racial equity and measures to correct existing inequities.
Language Matters
Language and terminology have the power to be uplifting. Yet, within criminal justice, there are commonly used terms and phrases that are considered stigmatizing to justice-involved persons, creating barriers to accessing necessary services and support. For example, there is a growing movement among agencies and organizations to use person-first language.
Person-centered Language
Date: April 2018
The Center for Practice Transformation, a division of the University of Minnesota’s school of social work, provides clinical tips and examples to move language from deficits-based to strengths-based and person-centered language
Executive Leadership
(policies development, decision-making, etc.)
Advances in research and technology are occurring at dizzying speed in the current environment, potentially significantly impacting the corrections profession. Leaders and policymakers must continuously be conversant with relevant advances and how and where they should be integrated into current correctional practice.
Biometric Face Recognition: References for Policymakers
Date: December 2020
This 2020 document created by the FedID community is a discussion to inform policy makers a clear understanding and foundational insights on aspects and issues of face recognition relevant to policymakers.Building the Technology Ecosystem for Correctional Education: Brief and Discussion Guide
Date: August 2022
This U.S. 2022 Department of Education’s Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education document provides a brief discussion guide to help states develop and sustain the necessary policy, programmatic, and technical environments to expand the use of technology in correctional education.