Building Texas' Next Generation Public Defense Data System

• In Event: Research in Indigent Defense: Data in Indigent Defense

Abstract

Criminal justice research is becoming increasingly tied to evidence-based practices. Since 2002, The Texas Indigent Defense Commission (TIDC), in partnership with Public Policy Research Institute at Texas A&M University, has maintained a data-based website for indigent defense services for county officials, researchers, reporters, other state agencies and non-profits. TIDC is now in the process of rebuilding this website to better address Texas' evolving public defense system. This presentation provides the history behind the current website, what it offers, and the process of overhauling an indigent defense-specific website. The presentation further highlights the challenges and successes of developing and maintaining an impactful website.

Authors

• Sarah Gammell, Texas Indigent Defense Commission

• Georges Naufal, Texas A&M University