Data Analysis and Criminal Justice

THIS WILL BE A REWRITE CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTION WITH REFERENCE THAT CAN BE USE FROM OUTSIDE

Week 1 Discussion 1

The use of data analysis and research is, in my opinion, one of the most paramount facets

of the criminal justice system. The collection and distribution of data analysis and research

throughout the criminal justice system basically gauges the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of the

criminal justice system in any given area. Take police, for instance. Data is analyzed and

researched not only to keep the citizens safe by knowing exactly where there may be high crime

areas or if there are gangs forming in certain parts of a community; It also allows police to take a

closer look at their own tactics in a way to hopefully facilitate recidivism.

Personally, I feel data analysis and research is very important to even identify people who

may need mental health attention. Knowing the effectiveness of being arrested and thrown into

the criminal justice system for minor offenses and how that can affect or even create a career

criminal is important information that every department in the criminal justice system. But since

police tend to be the first contact a person would make with the criminal justice system, data

analysis and research for them, in my opinion, is the most pertinent. And the accuracy of the

information attained has to be razor sharp. That is the only way to know what needs to be done to

reduce and/or prevent crime.

References

Gary Kleck ; Jongyeon Tark ; Jon J. Bellows., (2006). What methods are most frequently used in

research in criminology and criminal justice? Retrieved from

https://www.ncjrs.gov/App/Publications/abstract.aspx?ID=236272