System Assessment

Justice systems are made up of a number of different organizations and individuals, each with their own goals and missions. From a societal perspective, it is important for these system participants to interact with each other—and with those who come in contact with justice system institutions and agencies—in ways that are fair, effective, and economical in their use of public resources. Much of what JMI does is designed to improve system effectiveness. In some instances, JMI—sometimes by itself, often in collaboration with other organizations—has undertaken assessments of overall system operations.

Conducting a justice system assessment typically involves collecting and analyzing quantitative data and written documents from a variety of sources, observing operations in the courts and the agencies that are involved in the process, and conducting numerous interviews and focus group meetings with practitioners and policymakers.  The result should be not only a report (with description of recent trends and the current situation) but also recommendations—developed in the course of discussions with key stakeholders—for specific actions that can be taken to improve system operations.

Recent examples of JMI’s system assessment work include:

  • A study of the criminal justice system in Harris County, Texas
  • Assessments of  criminal justice system operations in Pinellas County, Florida, and Mecklenburg County, North Carolina—both undertaken in collaboration with Kimme & Associates, and architectural and planning firm.

JMI’s work in the area of caseflow management often involves a similar approach, though with a somewhat narrower focus.  See the discussion and JMI’s work on caseflow management and delay reduction.