Step #1: Pick a project topic (any criminal justice program or policy—loosely defined) can work. If you have problems coming up with a topic idea, talk to me after class or during office hours.

Step #2: Research your topic; relying most heavily on peer-reviewed journal articles and government publications (NCJRS, BJS, etc.). Collect, read, and organize information on the following:

1. The theoretical assumptions that justify the program or policy (This can be formal criminological, psychological, and/or sociological theories or less formalized assumptions about WHY it is that the program/policy will work.

2. The types of crimes the policy/program is designed to combat.

3. Empirical evidence of the program/policy’s successes and/or failures. Essentially, does the program work? If so, why? How effective is it? With what types of offenders? If the program/policy does not work, why not? Are there suggested ideas for modifying the program or policy to increase its effectiveness? This should be the largest and most dense and comprehensive part of your paper.

4. You will have to submit a bibliography as part of your paper. The list will not simply be “checked off” and assigned the stated points. I will review it carefully to see what types of sources you used to create your project. You should have at least 10 sources for this project. The majority of your sources should be peer-reviewed and government publications.

Your paper should be at least 12 pages in length. You may use parts of prior work (up to 25% only) as long as you properly cite those passages correctly. I am not instituting a maximum.  It should be formatted correctly (APA or another acceptable form of formatting and citation) and be 12 font (Times New Roman or Courier New), 1inch margins, and double-spaced. Make sure to include page numbers and a cover page (the cover page, bibliography, or other attached materials do not count towards the 12 page minimum).

Presentation Instructions

Step #1: Use Powerpoint or Prezi or some other presentation application. The presentation should be 5-10 minutes long. Youmay want to record your presentation (must have audio, can have video) and send it to me in case of an emergency on or before May 8 (before midnight). Your presentation should contain:

1. The theoretical assumptions that justify the program (This can be formal criminological, psychological, and/or sociological theories or less formalized assumptions about WHY it is that the program will work.

2. The types of crimes the policy/program is designed to combat.

3. Empirical evidence of the program/policy’s successes and/or failures. Essentially, does the program work? If so, why? How effective is it? With what types of offenders? If the program/policy does not work, why not? Are there suggested ideas for modifying the program or policy to increase its effectiveness? This should be the largest and most dense and comprehensive part of your presentation. (As it should also form a significant portion of your paper).