NCJ Number
60947
Journal
LAE JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CRIMINAL JUSTICE ASSOCIATION Volume: 41 Issue: 3 Dated: (FALL 1978) Pages: 7-18
Date Published
1978
Length
12 pages
Annotation
IN THE FACE OF SPIRALING INFLATION, POLICY DECISIONS, AND SELECTION AND MODIFICATION OF CORRECTIONAL PROGRAMS, MUST BE MADE IN TERMS OF AN INCREASE IN EITHER EFFECTIVENESS OR EFFICIENCY.
Abstract
IN THIS REPORT EFFECTIVENESS IS SEEN AS GREATER IMPACT, AND EFFICIENCY AS LOWERED COSTS. TO ACHIEVE THESE ENDS, DECISIONMAKERS MUST BASE THEIR CHOICES ON DATA, RESEARCH FINDINGS, AND CAREFUL EVALUATIONS. AS PROGRAMS AND POLICIES ARE IMPLEMENTED, CLOSE MONITORING IS REQUIRED TO INSURE DESIGN COMPLIANCE AND TO DETERMINE IF STATED GOALS AND OBJECTIVES ARE BEING ACHIEVED. A NUMBER OF ILLUSTRATIONS ARE PRESENTED SHOWING HOW EVALUATIVE INFORMATION OR MONITORED FEEDBACK CAN MAKE A SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE IN OUTCOME. THE REPORT STATES THAT ONGOING EVALUATIVE FEEDBACK TO POLICYMAKERS OR PROGRAM ADMINISTRATORS CAN ENSURE THAT PROCEDURES ACTUALLY LEAD TO POLICY IMPLEMENTATION IN THE DESIRED MANNER, UNANTICIPATED SIDE EFFECTS ARE NOT MANIFEST, AND THE PROCEDURES, IF APPROPRIATELY APPLIED, LEAD TO ANTICIPATED RESULTS. IT IS ONLY WHEN EVALUATION EFFORTS ARE CLOSELY LINKED TO ADMINISTRATIVE DECISIONMAKING AT AN EARLY STAGE THAT EVALUATIVE FEEDBACK IS LIKELY TO HAVE MAXIMUM IMPACT. FOOTNOTES, AND REFERENCES ARE INCLUDED. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED--MJW)