Good public policy is built on more than good intentions—it also requires evidence. Watch a conversation about how rigorous research can challenge assumptions, improve decision making, and drive meaningful change in the criminal legal system. Jennifer Doleac is an economist who studies crime and is the former executive vice president of criminal justice at Arnold Ventures. She is the author of The Science of Second Chances. Referred to as “Freakonomics” for criminal justice, Dr. Doleac’s book draws on economic research and real-world experiments, revealing the small-scale interventions that can reduce people’s chances of new arrests and help break the incarceration cycle. The book also shares cautionary tales about promising ideas that fell short.
APPR co-director Alison Shames had a lively discussion with Dr. Doleac about her book, her theory of change, and how practitioners can contribute to and leverage academic research to create transformative change.
“I learned more about the specifics of how data is measured and clarity on roadblocks while gathering data.”
