Solving Crime Problems With Research

• NCJ Number: 237727
• Date Published: March 2012
• Agencies: NIJ
• Publication Series: NIJ Journal
• Publication Type: Article

Annotation

This article presents the rationale and uses for the Web site CrimeSolutions.gov, which was launched by the U.S. Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP) in order to provide a centralized repository of information on evidence-based criminal justice programs and practices.

Abstract

CrimeSolutions.gov organizes evidence on what works in criminal justice, juvenile justice, and crime victim services. These findings from scientific studies of various types of criminal justice programs and practices are presented in a way that informs policymakers and practitioners about cost-effective strategies and programs that address various functions of the criminal and juvenile justice systems. The Web site identifies programs and strategies that have been used to meet various public safety needs in different contexts. It presents the findings of evaluations conducted to determine whether or not the programs met their objectives. It details how the programs were designed and implemented, and it suggests resources for additional information on a program. The site currently has information on approximately 150 programs, and it will be updated as new research becomes available. The programs are listed under at least one of eight topic areas: Corrections and Reentry, Courts, Crime and Crime Prevention, Drugs and Substance Abuse, Juveniles, Law Enforcement Technology and Forensics, and Victims and Victimization. Each topic area is assigned a lead researcher who is an authority in the field, and every program has been subjected to an eight-step process that includes an expert review. The review is conducted by two trained subject-matter and research-methods experts assigned by the lead researcher. Each program is assigned one of three evidence ratings: “effective” (strong evidence of achieving intended outcomes); “promising” (some evidence that it achieved intended outcomes); and “no effects” (strong evidence of no or harmful effects). 1 figure showing the eight steps of program review and rating