Mini-grant in Support of a Community of Practice
Graduates of the Smart Suite Researcher-Practitioner Fellows Academy are eligible to apply for a competitive mini-grant in support of building and informing a community of practice. This is a two-step process. The first step is to submit a one-page summary of BJA grant funded program specifically highlighting changes, successes, or challenges overcome leading to progress. The second step requires completion of a case study that will be used as an online resource.
Laurie Ross, Yelena Ogneva-Himmelberger, and Casey Starr
Abstract
Spatiotemporal analysis in the form of geographic information systems (GISs) can help monitor changes in crime patterns in comprehensive community initiative (CCI). This article presents a CCI in Worcester, MA, in which the monthly monitoring of crime data without the use of GIS indicated that violent and social disorder crimes were decreasing in the project area. Spatiotemporal analysis, however, revealed a persistent crime hot spot. Upon deeper analysis, the project team realized that this hot spot consisted of medical calls, calls to check on the welfare, and overdoses. The project’s theory of change was not designed for these types of problems. Learning this with 9 months left in the project, the CCI’s leadership team began to develop a community based response to opioid addiction. Given these results, funders of CCIs could encourage the regular use of accessible, open-source tools for spatiotemporal analysis in projecting monitoring. Ultimately, the joining of logic models and GISs can greatly increase the effectiveness of CCIs by directing the right strategies and resources to accurately constructed community problems. Access the full article here.
Mr. Glenn Tapia is a subject matter expert on Implementation Science and Director of Leadership & Systems Innovation at the Alliance for Criminal Justice Innovation. Glenn has presented on multiple occasions at the Innovations Suite Researcher-Practitioner Fellows Academy.
This webinar was developed for the Innovations Suite Program, Community-Based Crime Reduction Initiative (CBCR), FY2018 Kick-off Meeting in November 2019. The webinar offers a preface for content delivered at the Academy.
The goals of the national BJA grantee funded programs include increasing the capacity for data-driven processes to support the implementation of evidence-based and evidence-informed practice. Ultimately, these practices are intended to support public safety and crime prevention, delivery of justice, and greater system efficiencies. In support of these goals, it is critical to learn from the experience of BJA grantee programs and to share this learning across the criminal justice professional and research communities. Learn more about BJA Grantees.
The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Alaska prioritizes and supports local reentry efforts as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. The Reentry Simulation is an educational outreach event which highlights the struggles and challenges faced by individuals who are transitioning from incarceration back into their communities. The Reentry Simulation provided an opportunity for participants to gain an understanding of the significant obstacles and barriers faced by men and women upon their release from incarceration and return to their communities. Learn about the Alaska Experience here.