Discussion 5: Needs Evaluation, Part I

In this module, we considered various contexts and purposes of needs evaluations. This is a beginning point in analysis of criminal justice policy: before progamming can be designed and implemented, we must understand the parameters of the problem. Mears offers two interesting examples pertaining to mass incarceration and sex crime laws.

In this week’s discussion, the first of two concerning this topic, we will discuss a conceptual matter: How do you define the need for a given policy? For example, what level of a crime problem is needed before policy makers should respond? Does there simply have to be any amount of crime? If so, how should policy makers decide how to allocate funds to specific types of crimes? To specific types of policies?

Explain why you selected a certain position, and justify your points. You don’t necessarily need to fetch journal articles to help, but if you wish to cite published evidence, that’s okay too.