Research partners and crime analysts can support problem analysis, targeted and prioritized enforcement, and ideas for prevention, accountability, and evaluation.
May have formal training, education, and/or advanced analytical techniques to support operational data reporting.
Have access to law enforcement, prosecution, and/or correctional information systems.
Familiar with local crime patterns and trends.
Have formal training in research and evaluation methods, including data analysis.
Possess quantitative and qualitative skills to conduct action research.
Have knowledge of local and national crime trends, evidence-based practices, and innovative efforts.
A Research Partner brings a unique skillset to the PSN team.
Problem Analysis
One benefit of coupling a research partner with a crime analyst is that the research partner is able to provide an objective analysis in addition to current crime statistics.
Process and Impact Evaluation
Evaluation is ideally based on a logic model and a strategic action plan (SAP). Answer the following questions: Did we do what we said we were going to do? Did we reduce violent crime? Compared to what?
Ongoing Assessment and Feedback
Develop a performance metrics information system and produce periodic reports. Conduct regular meetings that include the executive team, core team, and enforcement team to cover incident reviews, strategy reviews, and after-action reviews.
Identification of Evidence-Based Strategies
Research partners have formal training and education in criminological theory, research and evaluation methods, and crime control and prevention literature. They are familiar with evidence-based and promising violence reduction strategies.
Private research organizations
State statistical analysis centers (www.jrsa.org)
Research centers and analysis units in state and local agencies
Consulting firms
Academic institutions
TTA providers
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