DCJS Justice Lab: Using Research and Evidence to Inform Justice Policy

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Abstract

An initiative of the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), the Justice Lab leverages the expertise of DCJS staff and other state agency partners who understand policy and practice; data maintained by agencies; and their data collection systems. The lab uses this subject-matter expertise to analyze and seek to answer questions about the impacts of adult and youth justice policies in New York State and builds upon the agency’s commitment to promoting evidence-based policymaking to improve the justice system. The Justice Lab provides opportunities for academic and non-academic affiliates to participate as Research Partners and/or Review Panel members based on subject matter expertise, analytic expertise, or lived experience. Projects include: an outcome analysis of alternative to incarceration and re-entry programming; an examination of the intersection of violent victimization and violent offending; and an analysis of “high utilizers” in the justice system to inform efforts to reduce frequent involvement in the justice system.

Author

• Leigh Bates, New York Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS)