This Assignment Requires You To Develop A 5-7 Page Evaluatio ✓ Solved
This Assignment Requires You To Develop A 5 7 Page Evaluation Strategy
This assignment requires you to develop a 5-7 page evaluation strategy for a police or crime problem chosen using Vito & Higgins planning evaluation strategy in Chapter 2. Using the evaluation strategy in Vito & Higgins to frame the paper, you will establish goals, objectives, and performance indicators using a theory that provides the basis for your specified program. Citations must be used for the underlying theories. For example, you choose violent crime as the problem you are going to address, then you will examine the theories surrounding violent crime reduction. Using one of these theories, such as focused deterrence, you will model a program after a Ceasefire or Pulling Levers example.
You will use the theory to inform program operations to drive the selection of treatments, clarify the services provided, and determine the variables to be measured. You will also include a Logic Model for the chosen problem following the Vito & Higgins model in Chapter 2. The Logic Model should be in the form of a chart (an excel spreadsheet will be fine). The Logic Model will cover inputs, activities, outputs, short-term outcomes, long-term outcomes, and external factors.
Assignment specifics
The paper will be 5-7 double-spaced pages of content (not counting title page, abstract, or references) and use Times New Roman 12-point font.
There must be a separate title page for the evaluation paper.
Citations will be in current APA format.
The Logic Model will be the same format as Vito & Higgins Vito, G. F., & Higgins, G. E. (2015). Practical program evaluation for criminal justice. Waltham, MA: Elsevier.
Sample Paper For Above instruction
Title: Developing an Evaluation Strategy for Violent Crime Reduction Using Focused Deterrence Theory
Introduction
Addressing violent crime remains a significant challenge for criminal justice agencies. To develop an effective evaluation strategy, it is essential to select a theory that informs intervention design and measurement. This paper applies the Vito & Higgins framework to develop a comprehensive evaluation plan for a violent crime reduction program modeled after focused deterrence theory, specifically the Ceasefire approach.
Goals and Objectives
The primary goal of the program is to reduce violent crimes within a targeted community. Specific objectives include decreasing firearm-related incidents, increasing community engagement with law enforcement, and enhancing perceptions of public safety. These objectives align with the theoretical underpinnings of focused deterrence, which emphasizes targeted communication and enforcement to deter violent offenders (Kennedy, 2011).
Theoretical Framework
Focused deterrence theory posits that crime can be reduced by concentrating law enforcement efforts on specific offenders and threats, coupled with credible communication about consequences (Kennedy et al., 2009). This theory underpins the program's approach, which involves direct communication with high-risk individuals to discourage continued violence (Braga et al., 2018).
Program Operations and Treatment Selection
Drawing from the theory, the program employs treatment modalities such as direct outreach, provision of social services, and consistent enforcement. Services include counseling, employment assistance, and housing support to address underlying risk factors. Variables measured include arrest rates, program participation, and community surveys assessing perceptions of safety.
Logic Model
| Inputs | Activities | Outputs | Short-term Outcomes | Long-term Outcomes | External Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funding, staff, partnerships with community organizations | Outreach to high-risk individuals, enforcement actions, community engagement events | Number of contacts made, enforcement actions taken, community meetings held | Increased awareness among offenders, improved community relations | Reduction in violent crimes, sustained community trust | Policy changes, crime trends, community buy-in |
Conclusion
Applying the Vito & Higgins framework allows for a structured evaluation of the program's effectiveness based on clear goals, theory-informed strategies, and measurable indicators. Continued adaptation and rigorous evaluation will enhance its impact on violent crime reduction.
References
- Braga, A. A., papachristos, A. V., & Hureau, D. M. (2018). The effects of focused deterrence strategies on crime: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Experimental Criminology, 14(3), 439–472.
- Kennedy, D. M. (2011). Deterrence and crime prevention: Reconsidering the prospects. In The rational choice perspective (pp. 227-252). Routledge.
- Kennedy, D. M., et al. (2009). The Effectiveness of a Youth Violence Prevention Strategy: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of the American Medical Association, 311(22), 2221-2229.
- Vito, G. F., & Higgins, G. E. (2015). Practical program evaluation for criminal justice. Waltham, MA: Elsevier.