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Using Research to Promote Public Safety: A Prosecutor's Primer on Evidence-Based Practice

NCJ Number
226730
Author(s)
Jennifer A. Fahey Esq.
Date Published
August 2008
Length
35 pages
Annotation
This paper provides guidance for prosecutors in providing leadership in the implementation of evidence-based practices (EBP) (practices proven effective through evaluation research) throughout criminal justice processing.
Abstract
The principles of EBP have proven to reduce recidivism by changing offender behavior; however, the principles require early diagnosis of an offender before a plea is negotiated by the prosecutor or a sentence imposed. Initial screening tools can help prosecutors make informed decisions about appropriate candidates for early diversion from criminal processing. Proven risk/needs assessment tools can assist prosecutors in deciding how to proceed against a defendant. Options available to prosecutors include diverting a defendant from prosecution, reduction of a charge in a plea negotiation, or recommending a community-based sanction over incarceration. Offender assessment can provide objective, actuarial information that assists prosecutors in making difficult decisions that can have a significant impact on a defendant's life and also on public safety. Evaluation research is providing a growing body of evidence on what does and does not work in managing defendants and offenders. Assessment tools have been subjected to rigorous testing in predicting with a high degree of accuracy those most at risk to reoffend; and the identification of needs that underlie an individual's criminal behavior can be matched to treatment techniques that have proven effective in addressing identified needs and reducing and/or eliminating criminal behavior. Prosecutors have the responsibility to base their discretionary decisionmaking in such evidence-based assessments in order to use the criminal justice system in such a way that criminal behavior is reduced and the public is protected.