The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine is undertaking a study to review and assess existing evidence on how observed racial differences in criminal justice might be reduced through public policy. The panel will examine:
1. What societal forces have given rise to current inequalities in criminal behavior, victimization, and criminal justice involvement? How effective are efforts to reduce racial differences in criminal involvement, criminal behavior, and victimization (e.g. through education, housing policy, employment initiatives, illicit drug intervention)?
2. How has the criminal justice system exacerbated racial inequality in the United States? How effective are efforts to reduce racial differences in criminal justice involvement (e.g., implicit bias training, bail reform policies, risk assessment tools, etc.)?
3. Which policies or approaches for reducing racial differences in crime and justice have suggestive evidence of effectiveness or appear promising but require further study? What areas of research and policy should scholars and practitioners explore to broaden the nation’s options to address racial and ethnic inequalities in the justice system?
The study will be carried out by a committee of approximately 12-15 volunteer experts in the fields of:
- Criminology
- Criminal justice
- Law and justice
- State and local agencies addressing crime and justice issues
- Public policy
- Sociology
We invite you to submit nominations for committee members and/or reviewers for this study by October 2, 2020.
Contact information:
Name: Yamrot Negussie
Email: ynegussie@nas.edu
Phone: 240-893-3746
Project Website