Case Studies

Senario 1

The media has been running a series of reports on crime in society. This has prompted a belief among the public that crime is on the rise and something must be done. Unfortunately, it is not clear exactly what the extent of the problem is or how it should even be measured.

The news reports focus on serious crimes and the fact that something needs to be done. When looking at the information in these reports, it is not clear what exactly is taking place, if it is a real problem, or what should be done.

To make sense of this information, the city council has hired you to explain it all.

List the major sources of data and briefly explain what you get from each them.

Correct answer - The major sources of data are the UCR/police reports and victimization survey data. Police reports give insight into those crimes that come to the attention of the police and for which they take action. Victimization surveys reflect reports by citizens about their experiences as a victim.

Beyond the extent of actual crimes, the costs of crime can be assessed. When considering the costs of crime/victimization, what needs to be taken into consideration?

Correct answer - Costs of crime involve direct costs to the victims for property damage/loss and injury; lost time from work; police, prosecution, court and corrections costs; insurance costs; and other intangibles.

Senario 2

There have been a series of burglaries in the community and the media have run several articles on the problem. One aspect of the reports has been the increasing levels of fear in the community. To bolster their arguments, the reporters have cited figures from the NCVS and different polls.

At the same time, the police have noted that crime is actually down since past years and they are trying to make the public recognize there is little to fear. Unfortunately, they cannot seem to get their point across and are seeking assistance in understanding the whole “fear of crime” problem.

You have been asked to help.

What can you say about what “fear” means and the problems of measuring fear?

Correct answer - Fear can be defined in various ways. Ferraro defines it as “an emotional response of dread or anxiety to crime or symbols that a person associates with crime.” At the same time you can tap judgments of risk, concerns about crime in general, or worry about becoming a victim

What explanations can you give for why fear is much greater than the actual levels of crime and victimization?

Correct answer - There are various reasons for the level of fear. These include vicarious victimization, perceptions of risk and harm, community incivility, and the ways fear is measured.

Is it possible to demonstrate that fear is not an entirely bad thing? If so, how?

Correct answer - Yes. Fear can be a positive thing for people by making them more cautious, more aware of their surroundings, and encouraging them to take safety measures.

Senario 1

You have gone to a presentation on crime in the community and what should be done to combat crime. After a lengthy presentation on the scope of the current crime problem the presenters suggest that it is time to start to do something about crime, rather than leave it to the police, courts, and corrections. There is a very clear suggestion that prevention is a totally new idea whose time has come. At the same time, nothing has been said about past practices.

During the question and answer period you stand up and ask:

What does history show about how society responds to crime?

Correct answer - Throughout most of history the response to crime, whether that is prevention or reaction, has been the job of individuals and families. Only recently has it become the role of an organization to deal with crime. The Code of Hammurabi, the Statutes of Winchester, and many other documents attest to this fact.

Are there examples of preventive activity over the past 200 years?

Correct answer - Yes. The juvenile court is a prime example of prevention. Another is the Chicago Area Project.

Senario 2

You have been tasked by the city council to make a presentation to them, the police and criminal justice personnel, the public, and anyone else who may be interested on the topic of how to improve the crime prevention actions of the criminal justice system. This task assumes that crime prevention is a role primarily for criminal justice agencies.

In preparing your talk, you decide that there are several things you need to do. First, you need to discuss what “crime prevention” is. Second, the public needs to recognize that crime prevention can encompass many different things. Third, you need to provide a framework for subsequent discussions.

What is crime prevention?

Correct answer - Crime prevention entails any action designed to reduce the actual level of crime and/or the perceived fear of crime. This is not restricted to criminal justice system activities.

What types of things can be considered to be crime prevention?

Correct answer - Crime prevention is almost limitless as a category. It can cover things like architectural design, neighborhood watch, product design, surveillance, public education, deterrence, early childhood education and intervention, incapacitation, and rehabilitation.

Can you provide a framework for future discussions of prevention? If so, give an example.

Correct answer Yes. The public health prevention model of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention is one good method for group prevention efforts. This can be supplemented by looking at victims, situational activities, and the level of interventions (micro, meso, and macro).

Senario 1

The city council is debating the establishment of a new crime prevention agenda for the community. There has been a rash of burglaries, robberies, and other crimes in recent months. One vocal group is looking to have police resources increased and claims that such an approach worked well in a neighboring city. Another group is not interested in hiring new officers and would rather see an increased emphasis on neighborhood watch. This group argues that they have literature showing that neighborhood watch is universally effective.

As a professor of criminal justice at the local college, you have been asked to look at the evidence and make a report to the city council on what you find and what suggestions you would make.

What are key themes or issues you will need to consider in undertaking this task from an evaluation point of view?

Correct answer - The first thing you should do is look at the literature and determine whether you have process or outcome materials on past programs. Second, you need to consider whether the past studies and claims are based on similar situations and conditions found in the community. Third, you need to consider whether the existing research rests on good evaluation methods or is weak.

You decide on a recommended course of action for the community. In your report you want to make certain the community incorporates an evaluation component to the project. What are some of the key evaluation factors you will suggest?

Correct answer - Key evaluation factors to consider will include the degree to which the project is correctly implemented; whether the follow-up period is enough; how the variables were defined and operationalized; whether there was an appropriate control group; and what threats to internal and external validity existed in the project.

Senario 1

After years of high crime in the neighborhood, the citizens have had enough and are demanding that something be done. The police state that they cannot do more than add additional officers, but that has only had a temporary impact in the past. They claim that there is little more they can do on their own and it will take a major overhaul of the community to make a real impact on crime.

A number of city leaders step forward with a plan to redesign the area. The changes will involve improved lighting, changes in traffic patterns, cleaning up of parks, painting of homes and buildings, cutting down wild growth of trees and shrubs, installation of better locks and alarms on properties, installation of CCTV cameras, and initiating property marking campaigns. When this is proposed to the public, the result is major skepticism.

Despite the skepticism, the plan is put into place. After a period of time there appears to be little change in the actual level of crime in one area, but more change in another.

When the plan is being proposed, what arguments would you make as to why these efforts should be effective?

Correct answer - A number of arguments can be made, including: increased surveillability will make it easier to see and report crime as it happens; cleaning up will provide the appearance that the area is taken care of and that people will intervene when things happen; improved locks and other devices will make it more difficult for crime to occur; and generally improving

What explanation(s) can you give for why the results are not similar across the community?

Correct answer - The lack of conformity in results may be due to: different levels of implementation in different areas; different problems in different areas; failure to gain citizen support in some areas.

Despite the apparent failure of the changes to impact crime in some areas, what other changes should/could be found that suggest the program has had a positive impact?

Correct answer - Change in crime is only one possible outcome of physical design changes. Altered fear of crime is an important element to consider. Other possible changes are improved business, better quality of life, and improved feelings about the area.

Senario 2

You run a retail store and your business is under attack. Your losses from theft are simply out of control, and if it keeps up you may have to close your doors. When you look at what is happening, you find a couple of major problems. First, you find that a lot of small items are simply disappearing, and many times you are finding the empty wrappers for items. Second, you know that there are large items like clothing and electronics walking right out the door.

You must take action to protect your merchandise and business.

In terms of the small items that are disappearing, what can you do in response?

Correct answer - Among the things that can be done are: place the highly desired items behind counters so they are only accessible by request; place the material in large, unbreakable packages that are difficult to conceal; package things with electronic tags that will alert staff when someone tries to take them out of the store.

What would you do for protecting the large items?

Correct answer - Theft of large items can be addressed through: the use of cable locks; the use of ink tags; and the use of alarm tags.

Senario 1

Hazel Park, a middle-class primarily residential community, has seen a rise in crime over the past decade. Most of this increase has been gradual, although residential burglary has sky-rocketed over the past six months. Residents are fearful of being home alone and going out at night, and have not seen any improvement after demanding action by the police department. Now, the residents have decided to initiate a neighborhood watch program. Among the actions they intend to take are educating the public, securing the homes and neighborhood, making improvements, and patrolling the area. They have asked that the police department assist in these efforts.

The police department and many of its officers are concerned that the citizens will actually put themselves at more risk and cause the police additional problems. There is a reluctance to offer assistance, and many would like to simply take a hands-off approach. Of particular concern is the effort by citizens to undertake patrol operations.

What types of things can the police do to assist in these efforts?

Correct answer - The police can: help educate the public by attending meetings and asking questions; provide assistance in publishing a newsletter; undertake security screenings/assessments of property; offer training in how to do citizen patrols; and seek assistance from other agencies and businesses in improving the

What can you tell the officers about past efforts of citizen patrols?

Correct answer - There is clear evidence that vigilante behavior is rare and that when properly trained, citizen patrols can be effective eyes for the police. The evidence also suggests that patrols can reduce the level of fear among residents.

Senario 2

In an effort to address crime in various neighborhoods in the city, the city council has decided to embark on an effort to organize residents into neighborhood and community groups. These groups will be tasked with discussing problems and issues germane to the neighborhood. It is hoped that these groups will assist in identifying possible responses to the problems and participating in the implementation of the preventive efforts.

After expending significant time and effort in creating these groups, particularly by the police department, it seems apparent that the efforts are doomed to failure. When comparing neighborhoods, there seems to be no consistency in who participates, the ability of the groups to arrive at consensus, the responses that are offered, and the general lack of participation. Indeed, it appears to be that the more successful groups are those in areas characterized by low crime and fear.

You have been asked to try and fix the problem.

How can you explain the apparent lack of consistency in who participates in the groups?

Correct answer - Research shows that participation varies greatly in prevention initiatives. Most participation appears in homogeneous, stable areas with fewer problems. There is also variability based on the issues in different areas. Generally, neighborhood crime prevention is not a one-size-fits-all prospect.

Who should they expect to participate in the groups?

Correct answer -Those who participate are those who generally participate in other groups.

What is the problem of trying to establish “crime prevention” actions across neighborhoods?

Correct answer - First, crime prevention is not a singular concept, and different people think of different things and are willing to participate in different activities. Second, it is not easy to get people to agree on what the problem is or how to address it. Third, just because you start a program does not mean it will be effective.

Senario 1

The police department has been working closely with the residents of several neighborhoods in the community to address varying crime problems. A number of individuals and groups have participated in the establishment of crime prevention initiatives. The range of activities has included physical design changes, neighborhood watch, increased surveillance, increased patrolling, property marking, the installation of lights, and other actions.

After several months, the police have produced neighborhood-level and city-wide data showing that the targeted crimes in most neighborhoods and the city have been reduced. Consequently, the interventions have been declared a success. At the same time, the overall crime data for the city and for many of the communities does not seem to show the same reductions. In some cases, the overall crime rate and incidence of other forms of crime have gone up, while in others the crime rate has dipped, but not as much. The police are frustrated, and some citizens are questioning what has taken place.

As an expert in evaluation of crime prevention initiatives, you have been called in to discuss what may be taking place.

What are the possible explanations for the lack of an overall decrease in crime?

Correct answer - It appears that there may be some displacement taking place. The possible forms are territorial, temporal, tactical, target, functional, and perpetrator.

Explain how the targeted crimes may have been reduced while the overall crime has increased.

Correct answer - It is possible that while the program was successful at reducing the targeted crimes, the offenders may have turned to other offenses altogether (functional displacement).

Should the efforts be abandoned? Why or why not?

Correct answer No. The fact that overall crime has not come down while the targeted crimes have come down suggests that offenders are adapting to the efforts. There is a need to identify what form of displacement is taking place and adapt the interventions to address it.

Senario 1

There has been a major mass shooting reported on the national news. More than two dozen people have been injured or killed, including some children as young as 10 years old. The community is in a state of shock, and people are aghast at what has taken place. Fear is running rampant in communities across the country. People are claiming that this is a common occurrence that must be stopped. There are calls for something to be done, and the suggestions include taking a close examination of violence and aggression in the media, both fictional and real. This extends to calls to eliminate violent video games. After the initial reports, media outlets and the creators of video games and movies and television take to the air, claiming that their materials are not the cause of the violence.

Is the reporting of this tragic event painting an accurate portrait of violence and crime in the country?

Correct answer While this event is a true tragedy, it is really an isolated event that receives an inordinate amount of attention. In actuality, this is a relatively rare event, and most people will never experience such an event. The community’s fear exceeds their risk.

What does the evidence suggest about the media’s role in promoting this type of violence?

Correct answer There is some research that suggests media presentations prompt certain forms of behavior. Unfortunately, the degree to which media actually cause violence is not clear. A good deal of the supportive evidence is outdated or relies on laboratory studies.

What does the evidence suggest about the media’s role in people’s fear and responses?

Correct answer The media’s continued presentation of relatively isolated, but serious, events tends to increase fear in the public and prompt action that is not aligned with the actual risk of potential victimization.

Senario 2

The police department has been struggling to reach out to the public about crime and safety issues. Efforts to talk to the citizenry during the officers’ daily routines has proven to be difficult in light of the number of calls they must handle every day. At the same time, a recent survey of the public indicates they feel the police are not providing necessary information and that the police are not interested in talking with them.

You have the job of opening lines of communication between the police and the public. What responses/efforts can you initiate, and what are the potential benefits of each?

You have decided to initiate a newsletter. What will you put into the newsletter and why?

Correct answer The newsletter should include: area crime data to make it relevant; general information about the police department and safety ideas; and contact information for prevention activities.

How will you distribute the newsletter for best results? Explain your answer.

Correct answer - A good way would be to hand-deliver to residents if they are home, and leave at the door if no one is present. The personalized delivery should help make the materials more relevant to the citizenry.

You will implement a series of social media efforts. What might you include, and why would you use this approach?

Correct answer - The establishment of a Facebook page and blog (and other variations) allows for the distribution of very timely crime news. Prevention suggestions and programs can be disseminated and updated as the situation warrants.

Senario 1

The community has been actively trying to build programs that work with youths early in life with the intent of heading off later delinquency and criminality. Among the programs that have received a lot of attention is one that focuses on teaching youths skills for recognizing and dealing with problem activity, particularly aggression. Another prominent effort has involved nurses and other medical professionals in training new parents and working with them to provide proper care and attention to their children. These programs fall into the general realm of developmental prevention.

Recently the media has been reporting on the fact that crime and delinquency has remained relatively unchanged in the community over the past several years. This has led many people to question whether the developmental efforts are worth the time and the trouble. Calls are out to scrap the programs and identify new means for addressing problem youths.

As a leader in the developmental movement, what is your response to the criticism that delinquency has not changed much?

Correct answer - Developmental approaches deal with long-term issues and the preparation of youths for dealing with later problems. The real impact of these programs may take a long time to appear, but the end result will be better-adjusted youths and fewer deviant activities throughout their lives.

What kinds of more immediate results can you point to in support of the programs?

Correct answer - Depending on the program activities, you may find improved attitudes among the children and/or parents, better behavior in school, improved grades, better health care, and other similar impacts.

Senario 2

You have been hired to implement the Communities that Care model as a means of addressing crime and delinquency in the community. The mayor and city council have given you free rein in developing the program and have identified a hand-picked group of agency personnel to work with you on the project. At the first meeting, these individuals have come prepared with a list of programs and ideas for addressing the crime problem in town. Most of these programs are well-known initiatives found in the media and other communities.

After your third meeting with the group, it is apparent that you are not moving forward very fast. Many of the participants express an unwillingness to compromise and seem intent on implementing their pet project.

As the leader of this group, what are some of the things you need to establish at the outset?

Correct answer - First, you need to define exactly what “community” you are addressing. Is it the entire town, or is it some subpart? Second, you need to assess exactly how willing the community is to work together. Participants should be selected on willingness, not the action of city council. Third, once willing participants are identified, you need to train them in the process and assign tasks to different subgroups.

How do you decide what problems to address and programs to initiate?

Correct answer - First, you need to undertake a risk assessment. Second, you should compile resources that are available to address the needs in the community. The third step would be to create a plan that corresponds to the risks and the resources you have.

After implementing the plan, what needs to be done?

Correct answer - First, evaluate the impact of the plan. This needs to include an assessment of the program implementation. Second, identify any modifications that are needed in the plan and implement the changes.

Senario 1

Reports of crime, particularly property crime, have been on the increase in the media. It is political primary season, and a number of politicians have picked up on media and public concerns and are promising to “get tough” on offenders. A number of new laws have been proposed, mainly involving increased penalties that include lengthy mandatory prison sentences. The advocates are promising this will result in reduced offending.

Should you expect increased punishments to result in reduced offending? Why or why not?

Correct answer - No. Evidence shows that the severity of the punishment has little impact on subsequent offending.

What would make the most impact on crime from a deterrence perspective?

Correct answer - Increased certainty of apprehension and punishment makes the greatest impact.

Senario 1

You are the head of a local consortium dealing with crime in the community. Your charge is to implement prevention activities/programs. At the same time, your budget has been cut in half, and you are faced with doing more with less. It is clear that you cannot serve all problem youths. You need to find a way to reduce crime/delinquency while spending fewer dollars.

What is the primary task facing you?

Correct answer - You need to pick out only those youths who pose the highest risk of offending.

What factors/variables will you consider in ascertaining risk?

Correct answer - To answer this you need to decide what crimes are to be attacked and what past experience tells you. Typical risk factors will be peers, past offense behavior, family background, and community factors.

What does the research suggest about the use of risk factors in prediction?

Correct answer - Risk factors are important in prediction, but many who are predicted to be high-risk are typically found to not be offenders.

Senario 2

Your consortium has been implementing crime prevention initiatives with little impact. The primary method underlying your efforts has been to offer education to youths, teens, adults, and homeowners on how to avoid being a victim or how to refrain from entering into criminal behavior. These efforts have required huge monetary outlays and have resulted in only minor changes, if any, in the levels of crime. It has become clear that addressing the general public is not a cost-effective approach. The suggestion has been made to target those who have been victimized already.

Why would targeting crime victims make sense?

Correct answer - Research shows that victims are often revictimized within a relatively short period of time. Focusing on those victims has greater potential at stopping further victimization than addressing the general public.

Besides targeting specific victims, how else can you target high-risk places?

Correct answer - The identification of hot spots can allow you to focus energies on areas typically experiencing higher levels of crime.

What two explanations can you give for repeat victimization?

Correct answer - Risk heterogeneity (prior victimization identifies targets as good ones) and event dependency (the same offender returns).

Senario 1

As a member of the police department’s crime prevention unit, you are constantly being asked to address problems of every shape and size around the community. The typical request is for increased enforcement. The department has recognized that arrests and prosecution do not have a long-term effect on crime and the costs are prohibitive for continued high levels of enforcement.

The department has recently initiated a move toward situational crime prevention. This means that the response to crime will vary greatly by event, circumstance, context, and other factors. The officers in the crime prevention unit need to learn a new approach to combating crime.

Following the situational crime prevention perspective, what is the process used in approaching problems?

Correct answer - SARA (scanning, analysis, response, and assessment).

What are some of the underlying explanations (theories) for the situational approach?

Correct answer - Routine activities, rational choice, lifestyles, and crime pattern theory.

Senario 2

The chief wants to move the police department toward using a more situational crime prevention approach to problems. This is a new idea for the entire department. It flies in the face of traditional police work and the application of arrest and street law enforcement to solve issues. Implementing situational prevention will require retraining officers about the diversity of offenses and the range of possible interventions that can be applied. You have been hired to provide that training.

What are the five general categories of situational crime prevention?

Correct answer - They are: (1) increase the effort, (2) increase the risks, (3) reduce the rewards, (4) reduce provocations, and (5) remove excuses.

Of what value and/or use is the 25-technique matrix of situational prevention?

Correct answer - It places the array of prevention activities into a theoretical framework; helps to understand why certain actions can/should work; and is a great reference tool for practitioners seeking possible interventions.

Senario 1

The police department has recognized that the traditional approach to fighting crime has not been successful. Making arrests and investigating crime has not reduced the level of crime. In fact, crime is on the increase, and new crime seems to emerge on a regular basis.

The department has decided it needs to change its approach and is moving toward a community policing model. It has opened up a number of storefront offices and has moved officers out of cars and onto foot patrol. Many officers object to this activity and do not view it as “real” policing. A large part of the problem is that neither the officers nor the department appear to know what community policing is all about.

You are asked to define community policing. What are the key ideas?

Correct answer - The key ideas are community involvement; problem solving; community base; and redefined goals.

What is/are the role(s) of police in community policing?

Correct answer - The roles are to identify problems; find partners; offer assistance; and work with citizens and other agencies.

Senario 2

Community policing is a prime example of a partnership initiative. Partnerships are becoming a primary tool for addressing all types of crime problems. Unfortunately, many partnerships fail to arrive at consensus on what to do or how to do it. The agency is adopting community policing because it is “the” approach of the day. Your agency wants to avoid the problems of other attempts and has hired you to implement the program.

What is perhaps the most important factor(s) in building a successful partnership?

Correct answer - It is very important to identify strong leaders and managers.

What is the most important first function of the partnership?

Correct answer - The most important first step is to agree on the problem and the intervention.

What is the key to successfully proceeding with the intervention?

Correct answer - The key to success is obtaining grassroots support from the community.

Senario 1

Drug possession and use are common targets of law enforcement. A large portion of prison inmates are there either for drug offenses or for crimes committed while under the influence of drugs. Rather than see drug use as the target, it can be viewed as a strong predictor of other crimes and problems. In turn, efforts to address drug use and abuse are key to addressing other behaviors. Prosecution of drug use typically targets youths since it is at that time when people begin to experiment and use illegal substances. A wide range of prevention approaches/programs have been implemented with varying degrees of success. The community wants to initiate prevention programs and has turned to you for guidance.

The first program the public wants to implement is D.A.R.E. What can you tell them about the success of this program?

Correct answer - There is no evidence that D.A.R.E. reduces or inhibits drug use. Due to its lack of success, it has been reimaged as Keepin’ It REAL.

What might make D.A.R.E. and Just Say No campaigns popular?

Correct answer - There is a misguided belief that these programs work. In the case of D.A.R.E., there is a strong organization behind it, as well as a lot of political support.

What impact do education/knowledge programs have on drug use?

Correct answer - Youths learn about the drugs but do not refrain from use. There is some evidence of increased experimentation after these programs.

Senario 1

Schools are increasingly being seen as a key institution in the fight against crime and delinquency. Programs and interventions can be found from elementary grades through high school. The focus is on early intervention. Among the approaches are attempts to alter the school atmosphere, develop conflict management skills, build resistance to joining gangs, teach anti-bullying tactics, and alter teaching and assessment. Despite these initiatives, support for such actions is not universal, and it is necessary to convince educators and the public to participate.

Why should schools be involved in delinquency prevention?

Correct answer - Schools are a prime location for delinquency; teachers and staff are in a prime position to observe youths and identify early problem behaviors; and teachers can identify acts by youths that are out of the norm.

What conflict management/resolution programs have been implemented in schools?

Correct answer Some programs include peer mediation; Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies; Resolving Conflicts Creatively Program; and G.R.E.A.T.

What are key considerations in the Olweus Anti-Bullying Program?

Correct answer The program must include teachers, students, staff, and parents; establish rules and regulations; raise awareness; and be incorporated into the curriculum.

Senario 1

The cost of incarceration has continued to go up. At the same time, the courts are sentencing increasingly more offenders to prison and jail. The prisons and jails are overcrowded, and the public is unwilling to spend the money to build more. A consultant to the court has suggests a move toward electronic monitoring systems (EMS) as a means of controlling the offenders without bankrupting the community. The judges and prosecution have decided to give it a try. When they announce the initiative, a number of concerns are raised by members of the community.

What are the expected outcomes of such initiatives?

Correct answer - Some expected outcomes are: reduced overcrowding; cost savings; and no increased risk to the public.

Community members ask what can be done to make certain you have control over the offenders. What will you do or say?

Correct answer - Active/continuous monitoring will allow you to know when the person is where he is supposed to be; GPS can monitor the location at all times.

Will the program put serious personal offenders on the street?

Correct answer - Not usually. Most people on EMS are first- time, minor/property offenders. Many are on pretrial release.

Senario 1

Attempting to rehabilitate offenders continues to be a driving goal of corrections, despite the get-tough orientation in recent years and the criticism that rehabilitation does not work. Two programs that have received a lot of attention are Multi-Systemic Therapy and the Cognitive Thinking Skills Program. You have been charged with implementing one or both of these. Your first task will be to demonstrate whether there is proof that they work. The second will be to explain how they work.

Do these programs work?

Correct answer - Yes. Both of these programs have been found to lower recidivism among clients compared to control group subjects.

What are the keys to success of the programs?

Correct answer - Key to success is making sure to target high-risk offenders; target known predictors of offending; and focus on behavioral and cognitive processes.

Is there a cautionary note for the evaluations of the program?

Correct answer - Yes. Most evaluations are of white, male youths or young adults. The impact on other groups is unknown.

Senario 2

Individuals brought to court are supposedly handled equally based on the offense they committed. At the same time, there is a clear recognition that different offenders have unique needs. For some types of offenders, there is a need to focus on the specific situation and circumstance rather than just the offense. As a result, several specialty courts have emerged. Among these are drug courts, teen courts, and mental health courts. The costs of these specialty courts have raised questions about their efficacy. As the presiding judge in your jurisdiction, you have been called on to address concerns with specialty courts.

What makes specialty courts so different from regular courts?

Correct answer - Specialty courts focus on offenders with specific needs/problems; they rely on a range of specialists to rehabilitate the offender; and the court offers the force of law.

What does the evidence show about the effectiveness of specialty courts?

Correct answer In general, specialty courts appear to be effective at reducing recidivism, but some evaluations show little impact.

What are some of the concerns about evaluations of specialty courts?

Correct answer Many evaluations compare program completers to those who fail to finish; many only consider recidivism while the subjects are in the program and not afterward; and many fail to consider offenders who are terminated from the program.