Researchers identify key functional areas that can benefit from improved use of data

 

Because of the size of the jail population and the scope of services jails provide, a vast amount of data are generated by jail systems. Although some jails leverage these data to inform policies and improve operations and inmate outcomes, many more do not. It follows that there is much untapped potential for jails to operate in a more data-informed manner. An NIJ-supported research team worked with jail administrators, correctional experts, and representatives of national associations and identified needs for jails’ use of data. Findings suggest that educated organizational leadership, among other areas, is essential to a data-informed jail. READ THE ARTICLE