FSU Institute for Justice Research and Development Trains Researchers and Practitioners Nationwide to Advance Data-Driven Criminal Justice Reform

Twenty-one practitioners and researchers across 15 states met for a weeklong workshop to explore effective approaches to criminal justice research and data-driven reform.

The Institute for Justice Research and Development’s summer institute, “Conducting Intervention Research in Criminal Justice Settings” was led by Carrie Pettus, the institute’s founding executive director and associate professor at the Florida State University College of Social Work. The workshop took place on the FSU Panama City campus, August 26-30, 2021.

“We had an invigorating week! Over the course of the workshop, ideas evolved, new collaborations were forged, and we advanced strategies to foster researcher and practitioner partnerships,” said Pettus. “Overall trainees were able to situate their high-impact work into data-driven criminal justice reform.”

Pettus said that researchers who have established local partnerships and real-world intervention research experience are better equipped to overcome challenges to research design.

Attendees left with specific knowledge to further their funding opportunities.

“This highly interactive workshop provided me with concrete tools to advance my grant writing and funding potential, along with opportunities to connect with colleagues similarly working to improve the experiences and outcomes of people in the criminal justice system,” said Brook Kearley, assistant professor at University of Maryland School of Social Work.

Workshop attendee Juan A. Rios, assistant professor at Seton Hall University, reiterated the importance of rigorous research design paired with local partnerships.

“I plan on immediately integrating what I learned to ensure the highest quality of intervention research protocol. I can’t wait to jump into my next project,” said Rios.  “Research to practice and engaging community stakeholders is not only important as a part of our work with special populations, but it is our ethical obligation.”

While public interest in criminal justice reform has swept the nation, researchers and practitioners in this realm continue to work to uncover evidence-based solutions that are not quick fixes, but solutions that will create enduring change to real-world criminal justice policy and practice.

IJRD is a team of 70 researchers and practitioners dedicated to using science to create data-driven solutions to reduce reliance on the criminal justice system.

IJRD team members lead live and asynchronous training and workshops for employers, nonprofit leaders, researchers and other professionals working throughout the criminal justice system. To inquire about customized, live training for your organization, please visit https://ijrd.csw.fsu.edu/customizable-trainings-and-services