Evidence Based Policy Analysis

Crime rates had continued to vary over time, reaching a peak, however, during the twentieth century, between the 1970s and 1990s. Over the most recent decades, crime rate have continuously declined and continue to do so today. If this holds true, then why is it exactly that we as a nation continue to invest billions of dollars into the criminal justice system each year to only have the prison population continue to grow? A major reasoning for this increase in the prison population growth has come from the get tough policies and harsher prison sentences that have been enforced in result of President Nixon declaring a “War on Drugs” in June of 1971. In result of declaring a “War on Drugs” what I find to be the most troublesome issue, however, is that there is too little research that exists to support the selection and continued support of many of the …show more content…
The one and most prominent solution to this issue at hand is to the adopt the application of an evaluation framework on a widespread basis through out the criminal justice system. By adopt such a system, it would help ensure that he need for policies are clearly identified, policies are adopted on a solid or theoretical foundation, are being implemented in a fine fashion, and are effective and efficient in achieving the goals in a cost efficient manner (Mears, 2010). Evaluation research imposes a check against irrational policy by offering increased accountability, evidenced based policy, effectiveness and efficiency during a time when the the demands on government have never been greater and the funds have never been lesser. Even though evidence research is not a solution to every issue the criminal justice system currently faces in regard to policy, the logical behind it is simple, yet important and it plays a critical role in offering a more sound and just foundation for any