2023 Research Agenda
FOCUS AREAS
Fairness
( 5 ) Pursuing ' Total Fairness ' in Criminal Justice Settings :
Many public service agencies measure fairness or non-discrimination to meet DEI ( Diversity , Equity , and Inclusion ) mandates . However , these metrics vary when organizations select different attributes or aggregation levels for analyses .
To overcome this subjectivity , researchers at Drexel University developed a mathematical representation of conditional parity , termed ' Total Fairness ,' to analyze all subgroups of a population across multiple attributes simultaneously . This project will be the first application of this methodology in criminal justice .
In addition to traditional recidivism outcomes , we are viewing Total Fairness across officer decision-making , such as applying ESP skills and incentives .
( 6 ) Gang Renunciation Program :
DCS is designing a program to use with persons exposed to the risk of gang affiliation who desire to abandon gang life and all it represents . The program will provide a formal process for DCS to assist individuals in renouncing and disassociating from gang affiliations .