you will analyze a contemporary issue in criminal justice and provide an evidence-based recommendation to address the issue, selecting an issue of interest on which to focus your brief. You will analyze how the issue has evolved, apply criminological theories to identify causes of the issue, assess the impact of the issue on the community, and propose strategies to address the issue.

Professionals in the field of criminal justice are often faced with making difficult decisions related to critical issues in their field. Those that are able to effectively take action to address these issues are seen as leaders in the field. To effectively form conclusions and recommend appropriate action, it is essential that professionals first analyze the background of the issue. Professionals must understand the history of the issue, the contributing factors, and the impact of the issue on the various individuals and groups involved, all through conducting research and applying criminological theories. This information will then inform data-driven recommendations to effectively address the issue. While the scale of these recommendations may vary (as some resolutions may be immediate while others are complete cultural changes), the solutions will all be rooted in data, and the success of results will be continuously monitored.

you will demonstrate your mastery of the following course outcomes:

• Analyze the evolution of contemporary criminal justice issues for their impact on society
• Draw connections between contemporary criminal justice issues and core criminological theories for identifying factors that contribute to the issues
• Determine how contemporary criminal justice issues impact institutions, individuals, and the ability of key stakeholders to influence change
• Assess the effectiveness of strategies used by public service agencies in the delivery of criminal justice services
• Propose evidence-based strategies to address contemporary issues impacting the delivery of criminal justice services