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Jan 9, 2024

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One of our time's most significant public policy developments is the shift to evidence-based practice in criminal justice. This entails using data and research to inform criminal justice system decisions. Recent policy changes, for example, have focused on evidence-based sentencing, which considers variables such as the likelihood of rehabilitation and the risk of reoffending. Evidence-based policing, which employs data to improve the effectiveness of police operations, has also received attention. “Most police officers are dedicated, hardworking people who strive to make the lives of others better. We learn from the police academy, in-service training, and our peers. But how much do we really know about the tactics and strategies that we use? Are they effective? Are they the best available? Do they work for everyone in the same way? More importantly, are there any tactics that we currently use that cause harm? These questions are central to the concept of evidence-based policing." (What Is EBP? - the American Society of Evidence-Based Policing, 2023) This change may result in a more effective and efficient criminal justice system. “Evidence-based policy and practice is focused on reducing offender risk, which in turn reduces new crime and improves public safety.” (Evidence-Based Practices in the Criminal Justice System: An Annotated Bibliography | National Institute of Corrections, n.d.) Evidence-based practices, in my opinion, will continue to play an important role in criminal justice policymaking in the future. This is due to several factors. First, the amount of data and research available in the future is only likely to increase, making it easier to evaluate policies and determine their effectiveness. Second, the cost savings and other advantages of evidence-based practices will likely increase their appeal to policymakers. Finally, the success of evidence-based policies in other areas, such as health care, will almost certainly encourage their adoption in the criminal justice system. (Rosenberg & Mark, 2011) References Evidence-Based Practices in the Criminal Justice System: An Annotated Bibliography | National Institute of Corrections. (n.d.). Nicic.gov. https://nicic.gov/resources/nic-library/all-library- items/evidence-based-practices-criminal-justice-system-annotated Gau, J. M. (2019). Criminal justice policy : origins and effectiveness. Oxford University Press. Rosenberg, J., & Mark, S. (2011). Balanced Justice: Cost-Benefit Analysis and Criminal Justice Policy. JSTOR. https://www.]jstor.org/stable/resrep45805 What is EBP? - The American Society of Evidence-Based Policing. (2023). Www.americansebp.org. https://www.americansebp.org/what is ebp.php | agree that the issue of incarceration and sentencing is a major policy concern today. There has been growing criticism of the high rates of incarceration in the United States, as well as concerns about the fairness and effectiveness of current sentencing practices. Some specific issues that have been identified
include the overrepresentation of minorities in the prison population, the cost of incarceration, and the high rates of recidivism. A number of states have begun to reform their sentencing policies in an effort to address these concerns. “As public support for criminal justice reform continues to build and as the pandemic raises the stakes higher it’s more important than ever that we get the facts straight and understand the big picture.” (Sawyer & Wagner, 2023) For example, some states have adopted "justice reinvestment" policies, which focus on reducing the prison population by investing in alternatives to incarceration, such as drug treatment, mental health services, and community-based programs. Other states have adopted "sentencing reforms" that focus on reducing the length of prison sentences and increasing the use of alternatives to incarceration. "It's wrong for people's undiagnosed and untreated mental illness to result in being incarcerated," says Rep. Ted Strickland (D-Ohio), a former maximum-security prison psychologist. "[Providing treatment] is more humane, it's more cost-effective and just simply the right thing to do." (smith Bailey, 2003) These reforms are designed to reduce the costs of incarceration while also improving public safety. In addition, some states have adopted policies that aim to reduce racial disparities in the criminal justice system, such as eliminating mandatory minimum sentences and "three strikes" laws. (NCSL, 2022) The Missouri State Highway Patrol's Human Trafficking Training Act, is a law, which was enacted in 2016, requires all law enforcement officers in Missouri to complete a training program on human trafficking. The program covers topics such as identifying victims, investigating cases, and collaborating with other agencies to combat human trafficking. In addition to law enforcement officers, training is also required for prosecutors and child protection workers. The law was inspired by the case of MSHP Trooper Dan Nash, who worked to raise awareness about human trafficking after discovering the body of a young woman who had been trafficked. (Stop Human Trafficking in Missouri - Department of Public Safety, n.d.) | recently had the privilege of being at one of his conferences and | firmly believe that this training allows the officers to understand sometimes the criminal in the case is a victim and needs something beyond what prison can give the person. Freedom from the person forcing them to commit crimes. Anything from credit card theft to prostitution could be a person forcing them to choose between the 2. This training can completely change a person’s life for the better. References Gau, J. M. (2019). Criminal justice policy : origins and effectiveness. Oxford University Press.
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