Harnessing the Power of Data for Justice Reinvestment in Massachusetts

Published Date : March 21, 2016
Author(s) : Ben Forman and Joe Farrell
Sponsors :Gardiner Howland Shaw Foundation

The Boston Foundation
The Hyams Foundation

Data are increasingly the lifeblood of an effective criminal justice system. Modern technology allows agencies to collect and exchange high-quality, actionable information. These data help frontline workers make informed decisions that reduce risk. And they provide managers and policymakers with vital information for the optimal allocation of resources. The fifth installment in our Justice Reinvestment Policy Brief Series, this white paper offers a short primer on criminal justice information systems, the status of efforts to build this infrastructure in Massachusetts, and key steps the Commonwealth can take to wield data as a tool to enhance public safety.

Meet The Authors

Ben Forman

Research Director, MassINC

Our sponsors