The Importance of Research in Policy Development

I agree with you that research is a vital factor in the development of policies and making decisions in criminal justice. Research findings are usually published in peer-reviewed articles and academic journals, which means they can be referred to when in need of making a decision. Considering the high rates of crime, research helps establish the trends and causes, thus determining effective ways of crime prevention. Research also tracts the success of different correction approach used in the prison system, guiding the best methods that will be implemented (Jennings & Reingle, 2019). The best correctional practices deal with both punishing the offender and the same time rehabilitating and preparing them to be reintegrated back into the community. Research can be useful only when it is conducted in the right way. Therefore, criminal justice policy and decision-makers should undergo training and learn how to conduct effective research and the use of reliable sources to guide in evidence-based operations. I enjoyed reading your work. It has an in-depth analysis about research in criminal justice, especially the article you indicated to have read. I agree that research helps to find evidence on a specific case, such as policy and how it has developed from the past to present. The information guides the policy makes on changes needed on the specific policy depending on how it performed from the past. One of the factors hindering effective research is the gap that exists among peer-reviewed criminal justice research, academic research, and practitioner policy development. The problem can, however, be addressed by ensuring that the practitioners are trained enough to evaluate academic journals and peer-reviewed articles, enabling understand provided evidence that would assist in policymaking (Gau, 2019). It would address the research gap in finding the problem. The use of evidence would help improve the overall functionality of criminal justice, benefiting every person.    

Reference 

Gau, J. M. (2019). Criminal Justice Policy: Origins and Effectiveness.  Social Problems ,  9 , 16.