The University of South Florida’s Center for Justice Research and Policy (CJRP) hosted a book release celebration in February honoring the work of CJRP co-directors Dr. Edelyn Verona, professor in the Department of Psychology in the College of Arts and Sciences and Dr. Bryanna Fox, professor in the Department of Criminology in the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences.
Panelists from various disciplines joined the conversation about the work of the CJPR and the importance of the new book. (From left) Mateus Rennó Santos, Assistant Professor in the Department of Criminology; Chae Jaynes, Associate Professor in the Department of Criminology; Christine Ruva, Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychology at USF Sarasota Manatee; Ali Andrew Shakoor, Senior Attorney for the Capital Collateral Regional Counsel; Michael T. Baglivio, Vice President of Research & Development at Youth Opportunity; and Joan Reid, Professor in the Department of Criminology. (Photo by Corey Lepak)
Their new book, “Routledge Handbook of Evidence-Based Criminal Justice Practices,” aims to provide evidence-based solutions to the important questions in today’s criminal justice system.
The CJRP, which is the first of its kind in Florida and approved by the Board of Governors as a state-level center, consists of an interdisciplinary team of scholars and practitioners focused on the study of crime, violence, and criminal and social justice policy, with a goal of applying research to enhance the evidence base of policing, corrections and court practices.
“We thought about bringing something to the table that’s concrete and to have a physical manifestation of the goals that we at the CJRP have in mind,” Verona explained.
Fox explained the connection between researchers and practitioners is an area that is often diluted, but through partnering with their colleagues who are highly involved with the work of the CJRP, such as police chiefs, judges, corrections officers, juvenile justice system employees, and more, they were able to write a book in a way that was practical and applicable for those working in the field.
The book provides not only a practice perspective, but insight from research, Fox emphasized.
“This is a unique and wonderful edition, and we are so appreciative of our contributors,” Fox said.
“This is the only book of its kind that addresses all levels of the system,” Verona added. “We don’t only talk about once people are wrapped in the system, but how do we prevent that from happening in the first place?”
Learn more about the CJRP and opportunities to support the work of the center.