Improving the evaluation of crime prevention and reduction programs through research-practitioner partnerships

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Publication TypeJournal articleAbstractWhile there is widespread recognition of the importance of stakeholder involvement in evaluation, less attention has been given the role of researcher-practitioner partnerships in evaluations using rigorous scientific methods, such as quasi-experimental designs. This is particularly true for the evaluation of crime prevention and reduction programs, including those conducted by evaluators independent of program design and delivery. Reflecting on several evaluations of programs designed to prevent and reduce crime and respond to the needs of vulnerable populations in court settings, this paper highlights the benefits, challenges and lessons from working in partnership with practitioners to conduct rigorous outcome evaluations. While evaluations are often conducted by someone independent of program management and delivery; it is still important for researchers to work in partnership with policy makers, program managers and project staff to ensure evaluations are methodologically rigorous, successfully implemented and focus on delivering practical recommendations for action.AuthorMorgan, A.Date2014Publication CollectionNorthern Institute - Learning Communities: International Journal of Learning in Social ContextsVolume14/ 2014Page Number108-127CopyrightCreative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia License.Suggested CitationMorgan, A. (2014). Improving the evaluation of crime prevention and reduction programs through research-practitioner partnerships. Learning Communities: International Journal of Learning in Social Contexts [Special Issue: Evaluation], 14, 108-127. DOI: http://doi.org/10.18793/LCJ2014.14.08.ISSNISSN 1329-1440 (online)ISSN 2202-7904 (print)PublisherFaculty of Law, Education, Business and Arts CHARLES DARWIN UNIVERSITYPlace of PublicationDarwin