Justice Policy Center

The Justice Policy Center (JPC) conducts nonpartisan research and evaluation designed to improve justice and public safety policies and practices at the national, state, and local level. The Center's research is founded on both the rigorous application of analytic methods and a pragmatic understanding of on-the-ground operations. Our researchers generate evidence on the effectiveness of existing programs and provide guidance on improvements in justice systems operations and efficiencies. We collaborate extensively with practitioners, public officials, and community groups to inform criminal justice decision-making in the interests of improving the safety and well-being of communities across the country.

Projects

Our Justice Policy Center researchers work on a multitude of projects across the following topic areas.

Corrections, Reentry & Community Supervision researchers inform correctional practices and policies to help exiting prisoners and jail inmates lead productive and law abiding lives.

Courts, Justice Statistics & the Law researchers study problem-solving courts and other court-based innovations, compile and disseminate statistics on a range of topics, and investigate the impact of legislation and legal services.

Policing & Crime Prevention researchers examine law enforcement strategies and crime prevention efforts, evaluating a wide range of proactive practices and partnerships aimed at reducing crime.

Juvenile Justice & Youth Intervention researchers investigate innovative approaches aimed at decreasing delinquency and improving the lives of at-risk and delinquent children, adolescents, and young adults.

Forensic Science researchers assess the processes by which forensic disciplines aid criminal investigations and the policy issues that arise when science and the law intersect.

Victims of Crime researchers address human trafficking, sexual assault, and intimate partner violence to reduce levels of victimization, ensuring that victims receive appropriate services and that offenders are held accountable.