Assignment 1: How Research Benefits the Criminal Justice System

Centervale councilman Parsimonious has requested your help on a budgetary matter. The councilman is considering a proposal to change police work schedules to four 10-hour days rather than five 8-hour days to conserve his budget. He has approached you for help in determining which might be the best option.

Access the databases of articles from each of the following websites and locate at least two articles that can help support your research recommendations for Councilman Parsimonious:

• National Institute of Justice Data Collections
• National Criminal Justice Reference Service Databases

Submission Details:

By the due date assigned, in a minimum of 250 words, post your responses to the following to the Discussion Area:

• What issues must be considered for research, i.e., what are the pros and cons of creating a shift change?
• What types of research (qualitative versus quantitative) would provide the best information for the councilman to develop his proposal? Be sure to explain why.
• What would be a beneficial sample size?
• How could officer sentiments on working longer shifts and fewer days be incorporated?
• What are the specific steps in the research process that Councilman Parsimonious and his staff will have to take that will be most beneficial to them.