Although criminal justice practitioners often report that social science research would be helpful, the actual dissemination and utilization of social science research has not been successful. Studies show that social science research seldom influences decision making directly, other than for symbolic use or as justification for budgets. However, certain characteristics of the organization and its management influence how research is disseminated and used. For the twenty-first century criminal justice administrator, more than intuition and experience will be needed. Data collection, analysis, and strategic assessment of information and social science research will become critical and essential for effective criminal justice administration. Research concerning traditional organizational structure, conflict, strategies to motivate employees, organizational effectiveness, and the environment will be invaluable. However, it is the reduction of crime that will remain the primary mission. Therefore, the twenty-first century criminal justice initiatives will need to support local law enforcement with funds for community policing, new law enforcement technology, deterring and preparing to fight against terrorism, and eliminating racial and ethnic disparity in the criminal justice system. This will be accomplished with policy and research that is adopted and implemented by criminal justice organizations.
After reviewing the assignments, module notes, PowerPoint presentations, and articles in the Required Readings page, you will have a better understanding of the importance of dissemination and utilization of social science research by criminal justice practitioners.
For this discussion, address the following scenario-based exercise:
You are an in-house researcher and policy planner for your department. Your department has asked you to participate in a major criminal justice symposium including police chiefs, activists, and policymakers discussing the issue of how to reform law enforcement in America during a time of unrest and upheaval.
Livini, E. (2021, March 05). How to Reimagine Policing and Public Safety that Works for Everyone Links to an external site.. Available at: https://www-proquest-com.vlib.excelsior.edu/blogs-podcasts-websites/how-reimagine-policing-public-safety-that-works/docview/2470573933/se-2?accountid=134966
Instructions: The purpose for this exercise is to utilize and apply your understanding of knowledge utilization to future policing in your criminal justice organization. Therefore, after reading and listening to the video contained in the reading above, and applying the key concepts learned during this module, as well as in the course as a whole, you will:
Make several practical and relevant recommendations, in your initial post, on how your department could “reimagine policing and public safety” in the future to better serve the community.
Critique at least two of your classmates’ recommendations — highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of their recommendations.
All initial posts due on Thursday. Replies due by Sunday by 11:59PM.
Read any postings already provided by your instructor or fellow students. Remember to read the feedback to your own major postings and reply to it throughout the module. Please reference and cite your readings and viewings in support of your responses. After your initial posting of least 150 words, read and respond to the conclusions drawn by at least two of your classmates, with substantial responses that further the discussions.
Keep the following in mind when making your posts in the discussion area:
Did you complete all of the elements required in your initial discussion post?
Did you respond to the initial posts of at least two of your fellow students?
Did you acknowledge those who responded to you, including questions from your instructor?
Were all of your posts made on time? That is, was your initial post made before Midnight Eastern Time on Thursday and were your follow-up posts made before Midnight Eastern Time on Sunday.
Be sure to include the key points found in the following required readings into your post response: