Students analyze the various types of data collected within the criminal justice system and how that data is used to make policy decisions. Students evaluate the methods used to collect data, why it is collected, and how to interpret the results of data collection. Students evaluate various types of statistical testing methods and how to use statistics to interpret a data. Emphasis is placed on how studies are conducted in order to test hypotheses.
Students learn how to read a criminal justice study to evaluate how data was collected and analyzed. This skill is critical to arriving at good criminal justice policy. Students learn how to identify a research problem and choose which research methodology and which statistical tests will provide the most helpful information.
This course will provide students with an understanding of how to formulate a research question, choose a research methodology, and interpret the data generated. These are skills critical for any criminal justice professional who must make policy decisions with limited funding.
In Matt. 25:36 Christ reminds Christians that they should care for the sick and visit those in prison. Students will be reminded that they need to have the compassion of Christ for those who are in prison or under the control of the criminal justice system.
Criminal justice professionals are always to be on mission. Christ forgives any person who asks for forgiveness, regardless of their sin. This course will help students who become criminal justice professionals to make the best policy decisions based on data and provable theory, not public opinion.
There are multiple agencies that comprise the criminal justice system: the state’s attorney’s office, public defense, juvenile corrections, adult corrections. Each agency has a different function and mission but are connected. Corrections systems—whether adult or juvenile—need to make policy decisions based on the best information and knowledge, as funds are limited. They need to be aware of current strategies that are effective in assisting offenders and reducing recidivism.
Criminal justice professionals are surrounded by those from many cultures and they need to have a sensitivity to all cultures and beliefs.
Corrections’ budgets are limited. An analysis of current data on offenders is critical to making the most efficient decisions on how to manage offenders and reduce recidivism.
Understanding how to read and evaluate criminal justice data is critical for criminal justice professionals who must make good policy decisions with limited funding. Being able to interpret academic research will lead to better criminal justice policy.
