Prosecutorial Performance Indicators: Advancements in data and research

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract/Description

This thematic panel explores results from the Prosecutorial Performance Indicators (PPI) project, a ongoing research and technical assistance project focused on building data capacity and increasing effectiveness, fairness, and transparency in prosecution. This project is implemented by Florida International University and Loyola University Chicago, and funded by the MacArthur Foundation, Microsoft Justice Reform Initiative, and Schusterman Family Philanthropies. After briefly highlighting project objectives and progress made in the project’s five-year tenure, panelists will: (1) demonstrate recent advancements in prosecutorial data dashboards and examine the implementation of a statewide PPI dashboard initiative; (2) evaluate variation in prosecutorial screening and dismissal practices; (3) characterize the use of data dashboards as a vehicle for prosecutorial community engagement; and (4) describe a model for developing partnerships between prosecutors and researchers at historically Black colleges and universities and Hispanic-serving institutions. The panel will conclude with a discussion led by Laurie Garduque, Director of Criminal Justice at the MacArthur Foundation.

Sub Unit

• Area VI. The Criminal Justice System / 44. Prosecutorial Discretion and Plea Bargaining

Individual Presentations

• Assessing Prosecutorial Performance in Colorado - Don Stemen, Loyola University Chicago; Besiki Luka Kutateladze, Florida International University

• Understanding the drops: Variation in screening and dismissal practices across prosecutor’s offices - R.R. Dunlea, University of Massachusetts Lowell; Lin Liu, Florida International University

• Community engagement in prosecution - Melba Pearson, Florida International University

• Creating prosecutor-researcher partnerships with local HBCUs and HSIs - Talitha Washington, Atlanta University Center Consortium Data Science Initiative

Discussant

• Laurie Garduque, The MacArthur Foundation