CJPAC RESEARCH WORKGROUP

The CJPAC Research Workgroup is a “Think Tank” of research, operations and data professionals from key Criminal Justice agencies that meet regularly to discuss: collaborative interagency research projects, develop population projections and forecasts, share and identify appropriate data resources, and assist in the production of the Division’s monthly and annual reports. The CJPAC Research Workgroup is facilitated by the Office of Policy and Management, CJPPD Research, Analysis & Evaluation Unit.   See Workgroup Meeting Schedule & Agendas

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CURRENT CJPAC RESEARCH WORKGROUP MEMBERS

Below is a list of current CJPAC Research Workgroup members.   {PDF to HTML Converter}  CJPAC Research Workgroup Members            [Updated: October 13, 2009]   Research Partners   There are approximately 25 standing partners in the CJPAC Research Workgroup with another 10 or more serving as on-call "subject matter experts" depending on the topic of discussion. The following is a list of current partners agencies: Connecticut Executive Branch Office of Policy and Management (OPM) Department of Correction (DOC) Board of Pardons and Paroles (BOPP) Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services (DMHAS) Department of Public Safety (DPS) State Department of Education (SDE) University of Connecticut - State Data Center (UCONN/SDC) Central CT State University (CCSU) Connecticut Judicial Branch Connecticut Legislative Branch   For questions, please contact the Research Manager and Chairperson, Linda DeConti at linda.deconti@ct.gov      NOTE: On October 16, 2008, the Criminal Justice Policy Advisory Commission (CJPAC), officially recommended and adopted the addition of its 4th working group, the CJPAC Research Work Group. As a result the Forecast/Research Workgroup has changed in name to reflect its CJPAC affiliation.   For more about the workgroup:   CJPAC Informational Forum on Research   {CJPAC Research Workgroup Photo}

GOING BEYOND STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

THE COLLABORATIVE PROCESS & WHAT WE DO Actively facilitate information sharing through regular (monthly) meetings with our criminal justice partners. Develop a consensus of data definitions and process flows. Develop capability to access/monitor key Criminal Justice information systems. Identify current research data needs; capture and build historical trend data repositories. Provide for a collaborative review of work products. Continually re-evaluate how to turn data into useful information. Our collaborative strength bridges the gap in data sharing where current technology and comparable resources may not exist.     ACCOMPLISHMENTS   On July 1, 2006 the Criminal Justice Policy and Planning Division (CJPPD) was established and a CJ Research function formed within OPM to collaboratively facilitate the legislatively mandated reports. The first of these reports being the Monthly Indicators report was due on November 2006.  We have successfully fulfill our statutory requirements to produce these mandatory reports on a monthly and annual basis.  Below are the more significant accomplishments made within the past 2 years: Established a network of Research, Operations and Data professionals across State CJ agencies. Successfully generate monthly and annual reports to fulfill our statutory requirements. More than 25 Months of Monthly Correctional Indicators Reports. Input/Output system model which balances within 1%. Short term Forecast-accuracy within 1.2%. Consensus-based Recidivism Methodology which aligns with national models. COMMUNICATION! COMMUNICATION! COMMUNICATION!     RESEARCH GOALS & OBJECTIVES Monitor System Changes Set Target Goals Capacity Planning Evaluate Legislative Impacts Identify Need for Further Analysis in Program Outcomes Seek Areas for Potential Cost Savings   RESEARCH SUMMARY To share data and research, to discuss how to improve the quality of state justice data and research, and to promote the use of statistics and research to develop policy. Identify key drivers that influence the system. Be proactive – to refine/improve how we do things. Look for patterns, determine what’s really happening. (Annual, Monthly, Daily) Provide policy makers with better information and make reports more useful. Develop data NOT ONLY TO MEASURE changes, but to REDUCE recidivism. Educate so that everyone understands the Criminal Justice System. Continue and build on cross agency collaboration . Improve Public Safety and Build Healthy Communities!