“In general, courts and legislatures do tend to leave a little wiggle room for judicial interpretation, and of course prosecutors always hate that,” said Jeffrey Butts, head of the Research Evaluation Center at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
Data-Driven Justice?
When someone tells you "what the research says" about how to reduce crime and violence, try to remember they're describing the research base as it was created by people and organizations with opinions, values, and self-interest.
Jacobin Magazine– Did You Really Think Trump Was Going to Help End the Carceral State?
Jurisdictions that make extensive use of parole tend to have higher recidivism rates because more of their returning citizens are under the surveillance of parole officers and subject to onerous parole conditions that, if violated, could send them back to prison. “Comparing virtually any group of states or cities with simple, aggregate recidivism figures is inherently misleading and should constitute statistical malpractice,” according to criminologists Jeffrey A. Butts and Vincent Schiraldi.
Albuquerque Journal—ABQ Area Homicides Down Slightly, but Concerns Remain
And while the drop in crime is welcome news to Albuquerque residents, Jeffrey Butts, director of the Research and Evaluation Center of John Jay College of Criminal Justice, warns that Albuquerque police and local leaders should be cautious and not take the decrease for granted.
Tips for a First-Time Flyer
Recently, I offered to help a young man who was about to take his first flight. I knew he would be traveling alone, so I thought I could prepare him for the experience since I've been flying commercial airlines for more than 40 years.
Annual Change in Violent Crime Rate by Federal Admininistration
The history of violent crime decline in the U.S. favors Democratic Presidents.
Evaluating Stargate Theatre Company: Sample Task Plan
To succeed, an evaluation of the Stargate Theatre Company would have to meet its key goals and objectives by following a task plan, such as the following: PHASE 1 – DESIGN Goal I. Review the Literature Objectives: I.1 Identify and organize all relevant literature on arts programming for at-risk youth, including unpublished and agency-based reports. … Continue reading Evaluating Stargate Theatre Company: Sample Task Plan
Assessment of the NYC Gun Violence Reduction Strategy
The Research and Evaluation Center at John Jay College is assessing the implementation of gun violence reduction initiatives in New York City neighborhoods. With funds awarded from the New York City Council, the project is tracking the formation and deployment of gun violence reduction strategies in five areas: South Bronx, Harlem, Jamaica (Queens), North Shore … Continue reading Assessment of the NYC Gun Violence Reduction Strategy
Rudin Research Partnerships
With the support of Susan and Jack Rudin, the Rudin Research Partnership program at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice Research and Evaluation Center allows Center staff to collaborate on research projects with the staff of organizations and agencies within the justice systems of New York City and New York State. The Partnership program … Continue reading Rudin Research Partnerships
Jeffrey Butts 