Leveraging Data for Informed Evaluation and Decision-Making: Successes and Challenges

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract/Description

This panel explores collaborative efforts aimed at advancing data-driven decisions and enhancing program evaluation within local law enforcement. Participants will highlight collaborative initiatives from a local law enforcement agency, including the development and implementation of data collection instruments (e.g., Weekly Progress Report), internal databases (e.g., Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports database), and public dashboards (e.g., juvenile probation population dashboards).

This panel will address challenges encountered during these endeavors, such as data quality and privacy concerns, technological barriers, and issues with data consistency and sustainability. By discussing these challenges and the strategies used to overcome them, the panel aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in data-focused initiatives that influence the daily work of front-line staff, program evaluation, resource allocation, and community relations.

By bringing together a diverse group of program managers, data analysts, and researchers, the discussion will offer attendees practical insights, strategies and innovative solutions for leveraging data to conduct program evaluation and better serve justice-involved populations.

Sub Unit

• Area XI. Methodology / 82. Advances in Evaluation Research

Individual Presentations

• Tracking Youth Behavior and Performance: Iterative Development of the Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS) Dashboard - Leela Nittala, County of Santa Clara Probation Department; DhanaLakshmi Musunuri, County of Santa Clara Probation Department; Kristin Keller, County of Santa Clara Probation Department; Kim Ho, County of Santa Clara Probation Department

• Innovative Approaches to Youth Rehabilitation: Development and Implementation of a Weekly Progress Report  - Kristin Keller, County of Santa Clara Probation Department; Kim Ho, County of Santa Clara Probation Department

• Promoting Data Transparency and Community Engagement: Juvenile Probation Population Data at Key Decision Points in the Juvenile Justice System - Joyce Hew, County of Santa Clara Probation Department; DhanaLakshmi Musunuri, County of Santa Clara Probation Department; Liwei Wei, County of Santa Clara Probation Department; Steve Do, County of Santa Clara Probation Department; Kimberly D'zatko, County of Santa Clara Probation Department

Discussant

• Kimberly D'zatko, County of Santa Clara Probation Department