Criminal Justice Models

In nontechnical language, this report catalogs 46 computer models designed to assist decisionmaking by criminal justice agencies; describes about half in detail; examines the factors determining successful or unsuccessful implementation; and draws conclusions for federal research policy. Analytic models, simulations, operational gaming, and structured group judgment models are described, arranged according to the subject addressed: (1) overall criminal justice system models, (2) police operations (patrol and personnel scheduling), (3) courts, and (4) corrections. The minority of successful implementations were characterized by: realistic understanding of the issues addressed and time frame; suitable user-oriented documentation; and direct personal contact of the model builder with user agency personnel. Policy recommendations include: (1) peer review of model funding; (2) impartial case studies of efforts that failed; (3) requirement that funded research be disseminated through media of interest to agency personnel; (4) hands-on training program for them; and (5) a federal center for programs and documentation that would maintain records of model applications.