Criminal Justice System State Administrative Agencies: Research Capacity and Experience with Research Collaborations, Findings from the Researcher-Practitioner Partnerships Study (RPPS)

Abstract

Based on the results of a survey of 75 criminal justice State Administrative Agencies (SAAs) from 49 States as part of the Researcher-Practitioners Partnerships Study (RPPS), this paper identifies barriers to SAAs conducting collaborative researcher-practitioner research and proposes ways to address these barriers. Survey respondents reported significant barriers to developing research collaborations, including limited financial resources, time constraints, and bureaucratic “red tape.” Regarding funding issues, policy revision is recommended so that SAAs can apply for funding from external sources. Another recommendation is to provide funding mechanisms within SAAs to support research collaborations. Regarding bureaucratic “red tape,” it is recommended that SAAs streamline the process of approval for research projects; this could include appointing a person or committee to oversee research in SAAs. This would be part of a State government’s review of procurement and other policies, so as to determine the extent to which they impede or prohibit research collaborations. Time constraints can be addressed through more efficient organization and methodology. This can be facilitated by opening the development of the research agenda to a wider array of SAA and university systems. This can also result in more meaningful research projects with stronger “real-world” application. [CVRL Note: see also full research report and additional research briefs on the Findings from the Researcher-Practitioner Partnerships Study (RPPS).] (NCJRS Abstract)