PUBLICATION ADVISORY

National Institute of Justice Examines New Approaches to Conducting Research About Jails

The Office of Justice Programs’ National Institute of Justice today published an article that discusses the results of an NIJ-convened meeting that brought together researchers and practitioners to explore the possibilities that arise when they rethink current methods of jail-based research.

“This article challenges us to rethink the way we view jails and the practices within them. It encourages researchers to use the lens of system and complexity science to examine the dynamic environment of jails, where needs and risks can change significantly in a very short period. This can lead to fresh perspectives on persistent safety challenges in jails and offer new insights on how to enhance safety and improve outcomes, said Nancy La Vigne, Director of the National Institute of Justice.”

Participants discussed ways to design studies of jail operations to better understand the interplay between those who enter jails, those who manage them, and the social, behavioral, and legal systems connected to them.

TITLE: A New View of Jails: Exploring Complexity in Jails-Based Research (NCJ304620)

AUTHOR: National Institute of Justice

WHERE: https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/new-view-jails-exploring-complexity-jails-based-research

To receive notifications of new NIJ publications, register here.

The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime, advance racial equity in the administration of justice, assist victims and enhance the rule of law. More information about OJP and its program offices can be found at www.ojp.gov.

OFFICE: nij.ojp.gov
CONTACT: OJP Media at media@ojp.usdoj.gov