Module 1 Discussion Prompt - Evidence-Based Corrections

In recent years, there has been an increasing call to base decisions on empirical evidence. This move towards evidence-based practices and policies (EBPs) has occurred in a variety of fields,  including corrections. First, explain why it is important to rely on evidence-based practices rather than alternative approaches (e.g., those based on tradition or authority/correctional quackery). Second, briefly argue why it may be challenging to implement evidence-based practices in correctional agencies/real world practice. Feel free to draw on your own experiences in addition to material from the assigned readings.
 

Cullen, F. T., & Jonson, C. L. (2017). Correctional theory: Context and consequences (2nd ed.). SAGE.

MacKenzie, D. L. (2000). Evidence-based corrections: Identifying what works. Crime & Delinquency, 46(4), 457–471. https://doi.org/10.1177/0011128700046004003