State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management

Research, Analysis & Evaluation
WHAT WE DO

Public Act 05-249 and 06-193 charge the Research, Analysis & Evaluation Unit with the primary responsibility for conducting research on crime and the criminal justice system. A major component of this work involves the development of databases and analytical capabilities which serve as the foundation for policy recommendations.
Criminal Justice
Criminal Justice Policy and Planning Division Calendar
What We Do
For more details... see Projects.
Finally, the Unit conducts a wide variety of empirical research on special topics for the Governor's Office, the Legislature, and other criminal justice agencies, as well as for federal agencies and national planning groups.

OVERVIEW

crestThe Research, Analysis & Evaluation Unit is concerned with the identification and analysis of crime and criminal justice related issues, and the development of a range of alternative solutions for consideration by criminal justice and legislative policy makers. Policy planning involves the application of research and analytical methods, the results of which are used in policymaking in several ways:

  • To promote the mission of the Division by conducting in-depth analysis of issues that span the adult criminal justice system and juvenile justice system, determining the system's long-range needs, recommending policy priorities, and advising and assisting the Governor and the General Assembly in developing plans, policies, programs, and legislation that is data-driven to improve the system's effectiveness.
  • To monitor key monthly indicators in an effort to identify emerging issues for policymakers to improve the criminal justice system.
  • To conduct research, analysis & evaluation in response to a specific question or to determine the effect and cost of a proposed policy under consideration.
  • To support a legislative committee or special task force convened to study a broad policy area. Examples of this type of effort are the Governor's Sentencing and Parole Review Task Force, the Connecticut Sentencing Task Force and the Criminal Justice Policy Advisory Commission (CJPAC).
  • To share data and research, to discuss how to improve the quality of state justice data and research, and to promote the use of statistics and research to develop policy.
Criminal Justice Research

THE LOGIC MODEL APPROACH
Most tasks assigned to the Research, Analysis & Evaluation Unit emanate from statute. Often many of these tasks overlap. In an effort to better manage and structure these tasks, the Unit uses a logic model approach to provide ongoing assessments, reviews, and corrections as the process unfolds. Furthermore, this model promotes a system that will monitor, manage, and evaluate outcomes throughout development and implementation, while clearly defining expectations to keep everyone on the same page. 
Below is a sample of a Logic Model Flowchart in Adobe PDF, portal document format.  To view the document either get the Adobe Reader OR use the Adobe PDF Converter.
Detailed Logic Model Flowcharts are currently being developed for all project tasks assigned to the Research, Analysis & Evaluation Unit.  These project specific flowcharts will be available as completed on this site.

For more about the logic model, click here.