Practical Program Evaluation for Criminal Justice

Practical Program Evaluation for Criminal Justice shows readers how to apply the principles of fiscal responsibility, accountability, and evidence-based practice to criminal justice reform plans. Unlike other policy-based texts, which tend to focus more on implementation than assessment, this book provides applicable, step-by-step instruction on determining an initiative's necessity prior to its adoption (reducing the risk of wasting resources), as well as how to accurately gauge its effectiveness during initial roll-out stages. The book gradually introduces basic data analysis procedures and statistical techniques, which, once mastered, can be used to prove or disprove a program's worth. Lastly, the book introduces the types of stakeholders who should review evaluation results for quick action, as well as how to best structure reports to ensure their buy-in.

• Individually examines every major evaluation type (as well as the benefits, concerns, and constraints of each), including needs, theory, process, outcome/impact, and cost efficiency
• Defines the precise data points each evaluation type requires, and the exact manner in which this data can be collected
• Demonstrates how different types of evaluations can be used together to provide clear information regarding a program's overall performance level
• Cites and makes use of real-world policy evaluations and vetted programs

Gennaro F. Vito is a Distinguished University Scholar and professor in the Department of Justice Administration at the University of Louisville, where he has a faculty appointment in the Administrative Officer’s Course of the Southern Police Institute. He holds a Ph.D. in public administration from The Ohio State University. He is a past President and Fellow of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences and received its Bruce Smith Sr. Award in 2012. His research interests are concerned with criminal justice policy analysis and program evaluation and police management.