Needs Evaluation

Question 1

Need Evaluations

Answer 1

Help to identify whether a problem exists and, in turn, whether and what type of a policy response is indicated.

Provide guidance on prioritizing different problems

Point to research gaps that must be addressed before it can be determined that a policy response merits implementation

Highlight the dimensions relevant to assessing success

Clarify policy decisions

Question 2

Defining need can be complex:

Answer 2

Crime- How much exists, has it increased, what types have increased?

Criminal justice system- Operational functions, demands, and activities of the actors involved in components of the system (corrections, courts, law enforcement, providing justice and executing everyday task)

Question 3

Defining a social problem involves many considerations, including:

Answer 3

Size
Trends
Location-
Causes

Question 4

Size

Answer 4

The size of the problem matters, both in absolute and relative terms

Question 5

Trends

Answer 5

Absolute and relative changes in magnitude ,of the problem, have to be taken into account

Question 6

Location

Answer 6

Knowing something about the distribution of a problem in social and geographic space can help us better understand it.

Question 7

Causes

Answer 7

An essential step both in defining what the problem is and determining how it best respond.

Question 8

Needs evaluations serve a number of critical functions:

Answer 8

Identify problem exists
Scope and nature of the problem

Determine if a policy should be retained

Type of policy response that should be considered

Prioritize problems

Highlight research gaps

Highlight dimensions of effectiveness

Clarify policy discussions and debates