NCJ Number
90605
Editor(s)
W A Jones
Date Published
1983
Length
155 pages
Annotation
This series of papers covers the topics of political reaction to social science research in criminal justice, improving the quality of human resource decisions in criminal justice agencies, women in criminal justice, an embryonic model for comparative justice, and a book review essay on policy and administration in criminal justice organizations.
Abstract
The opening paper identifies the types of social science literature and the major goals of criminal justice research. Policymaker acceptance of criminal justice research is noted to be mixed, varying among jurisdictions and according to the problems addressed. Policymakers' acceptance of research in various areas is discussed, and general conclusions are drawn about the characteristics of research that tends to be used by policymakers and that which is usually rejected. The second paper presents an overview of procedures historically used in law enforcement personnel selection and promotion, followed by a discussion of the use of the assessment center method. Caution is advised in the use of assessment center techniques without a study to determine their applicability in a specific situation. The study of women in criminal justice occupations finds them employed in small numbers, in entry-level positions, and in support rather than line assignments. Some of the reasons for this state of affairs are noted. Another paper presents an initial effort to develop a comparative justice model suitable for expanded justice system-public administration research that compares systems rooted in differing cultures. In the book review essay, eight books are examined for information on the processes by which criminal justice policy is made and administered. Primary emphasis is on the interaction of various interests in policymaking, the influence of organizational environments, and the nature of core technologies. A subject index and chapter references are provided.