A systematic scoping review of criminal justice research partnerships internationally to inform the Criminal justice Open Research Dialogue (CORD) in Ireland

• In Event: Methodology and law enforcement

Abstract

Open research is increasingly recognised as the most rigorous, transparent, and replicable method of producing openly accessible knowledge. Open research partnerships allow collaboration between knowledgeable stakeholders to share information and develop and disseminate knowledge openly. In criminal justice, such partnership working is increasingly recognised as best practice in ensuring that research informs policy and practice.



The Criminal justice Open Research Dialogue (CORD) Partnership is an innovative Irish open research partnership initiated to develop and embed a culture of open research in Irish criminal justice through research partnership and collaborative contribution. To develop such an initiative, it was essential to understand what could be learned from the experience of partnerships internationally in both criminal justice and open research.



A systematic scoping review was conducted, and the available literature was thematically analysed to extrapolate information relating to what types of research partnerships currently exist in criminal justice, how criminal justice and open research partnerships operate, who is involved, what are the challenges, facilitators, barriers, outcomes and impact of such partnerships, including from a policy and practice perspective. Information regarding funding and governance was also analysed. Research questions related to the extent to which current research partnership practices aligned with the objectives of open research and whether there has been a contribution to the continued development of an open research culture within the criminal justice system to date.



The presentation outlines these findings and provides initial thoughts as to how they may be used to inform the CORD Partnership. It will assist in defining how CORD will define ‘open research partnership’ to develop and enhance Irish Criminal Justice through a culture of open research and collaborative partnership.

Authors

• Patrice McCormack, Maynooth University

• Ian Marder, Maynooth University