NCJ Number
76647
Date Published
1980
Length
45 pages
Annotation
A methodology is described which evaluates the degree to which a program's effects continue after the program itself has ceased; the methodology is then applied to the evaluation of the Metropolitan Atlanta Crime Commisssion (MACC) Community Anti-Crime Project.
Abstract
Traditional evaluation approaches often overlook a program's long-term institutionalization in a community. This institutionalization can play a major role in determining a program's cost effectiveness. The present methodology is based on decision-theoretic techniques which use multiattribute utility models to measure a program's effectiveness and subjective probabilities to assess the likelihood of future events that affect institutionalization. The need for such a methodology was underscored by the announcement of LEAA's termination, which raised the question of whether LEAA-funded projects such as the Community Anti-Crime Program would persist and whether there would be any residual effects or benefits. The methodology was applied to the Atlanta program using police records, crime reports, data collected during routine project management, and the opinions of MACC staff regarding the chances that a particular program element would be institutionalized following the project's completion. Project elements included provision of shelters for battered women and children, block watches, and installation of locks and lights. Data analysis suggested that a relatively high degree of institutionalization was expected. Findings indicated that previous estimates of institutionalization may have been low, thereby resulting in underestimates of program effectiveness. Charts and 10 references are provided.