Maximizing Reach Through Spatial Analysis

• In Event: Lightning Talk: Criminological Research: Data Challenges and Innovative Approaches

Abstract

Maximizing Reach Through Spatial Analysis: Using geocoded community supervision program data to identify gaps in service

Authors:  Daniel O’Brien, innovatingjustice.org danobrien@innovatingjustice.org, Center for Justice Innovation; Hillary Gao, hgao@innovatingjustice.org, Center for Justice Innovation

New York City’s pretrial Supervised Release Program (SRP) is a community-based alternative to bail and pretrial detention. Run by nonprofit organizations, the program combines regular check-ins with voluntary referrals to supportive services. In partnership with two of the NYC SRP agencies, Brooklyn Justice Initiatives and Staten Island Justice Center, researchers from the Center for Justice Innovation analyzed SRP data on participants who missed in-person check-ins. The goal was to provide programmatic options to leadership to help participants reach compliance. By geocoding participant home addresses and program site addresses, and linking those to programmatic data, researchers were able to identify and visualize areas with limited access to SRP services and elevated rates of noncompliance. This gives the organization the ability to make an informed decision to open additional program locations. Furthermore, the data helps inform executive staff on expected workload and approximate inflow of participants, to ensure adequate staffing at new sites. This talk invites the audience to consider the benefits spatial-based analysis can have on serving vulnerable populations.

Authors

• Daniel OBrien, Center for Justice Innovation

• Hillary Gao, Center for Justice Innovation