Assessment of Juvenile Crime Policy

Criminal Justice Policy Development and Analysis
Module 1: Introduction and Criminal Justice Policy: Evaluation and Assessment
In this module, you will examine the concept of evidence-informed criminal justice policy. First, we will distinguish between the role of the three branches of the United States government and the role of each in shaping policy for crime reduction and to ensure public safety. Included in this discussion is a summary of the more significant criminal justice policies and strategies of the nation’s last thirteen presidents (from Herbert Hoover through Donald Trump). Next, you will be introduced to the concept of evidence-informed criminal justice policy. As a component of this topic you will have the option to watch a video on changes to criminal justice policy in Texas. The video will document how criminal justice policies shifted over time from a position of get tough on crime to get smart on crime.
The earlier discussion of evidence-informed policy should help differentiate between the two positions. We will then explain the importance of policy evaluation and assessment in criminal justice policies. You will view a summary of, and differentiate between, four important types of program evaluations: process or implementation evaluation, performance monitoring, impact evaluation, and evaluability assessment. Lastly, we explore the role of theory, ideology, and ethics and how each has the power to influence and shape criminal justice policy. We will also explore how criminological theory has affected or shaped the creation of criminal justice policy. These theories, when applied to offenders and their behavior, guides policy in such a way that crime rates should be lowered.
Learning Outcomes
1. Discuss the concept of evidence-informed policy.
2. Evaluate the importance of policy evaluation and assessment.
3. Examine the role criminological theory play in the creation of policy.
4. Distinguish the roles the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government play in shaping crime policy.
For Your Success & Readings
Here are some reminders that will help you achieve success in this module and the course:
• Review the Discussion Question and make your substantive posting as early in the week as possible. Make sure to post two equally substantive replies to two of your fellow classmates’ responses.
• Review the Portfolio Project description and grading rubric this week, which can be found in the Module 8 folder. Choose one of the two options for your Portfolio Project. You can either choose to analyze a canon, or code of ethics, or compare/contrast two codes of ethics (U.S. and one international), and then apply the ethical theories and approaches covered in this course to your critical, evaluative response to the questions provided: What is the goal of this canon/article and how is that goal supported by one or more theoretical perspectives? What is the mission statement for the agency? How might the agency(ies) screen for ethical employees; how might the agencies interact with other criminal justice agencies; and what are the ethics of their governing of police conduct. It is strongly recommended that you work on this project throughout the course and not wait until the proverbial last minute.
Required
• Chapters 1, 2, 3, & 4 in Advancing Criminology & Criminal Justice Policy
Recommended
• Fagan, A., & Buchanan, M. (2016). What works in crime prevention. Criminology & Public Policy, 15(3), 617-649.
• Olds, D. (2016). Improving standards for evidence-based policy. Criminology & Public Policy, 15(3), 669-676.

Critical Thinking Assignment: Juvenile Crime Policy (110 Points)
Important! Read First
Choose one of the following two assignments to complete this week. Do not do both assignments. Identify your assignment choice in the title of your submission.
Option #1
You have been hired by the governor to write a policy memo discussing whether there is any evidence that “get tough on crime” policies regarding juveniles are effective. Answer the question:
Is there any scientific evidence to suggest that tougher penalties and treatment by the courts are effective in reducing juvenile crime?
If you conclude no, identify what kinds of policies might be more effective in addressing juvenile crime and provide rationale for your recommendation based on existing research.
Your paper should be well-written, 3-4 pages in length, and formatted. Your paper should utilize at least three credible resources for support.
Option #2
You have been hired by the governor to write a policy memo discussing whether there is any evidence that policies focusing on family factors are effective at predicting juvenile offending. Answer the question:
Is there any scientific evidence to suggest that family factors are effective at predicting juvenile delinquency?
If you conclude yes, identify what kinds of policies might be effective in addressing juvenile crime and provide rationale for your recommendation based on existing research.
Your paper should be well-written, 3-4 pages in length, and formatted
please answer the question as asked.