How Evidence Helped Improve Criminal Justice Programming in California Counties
In 2011 California passed the Public Safety Realignment Act, which transferred responsibility for more than 60,000 offenders to the state's 58 counties. In response, county officials within the criminal justice system began to re-evaluate where they were putting their resources, with a renewed focus on ensuring that limited county resources were directed to the most effective and cost-efficient programs.
In this video, hear how four counties invested in evidence-based programs to reduce recidivism and increase public safety with the help of the Pew-MacArthur Results First Initiative. "The results from the programs have been unbelievable," says Greg Gonzales, a former lieutenant in Kern County, California. "We have inmates who are not concerned about racial lines, gang ties, or gang affiliations, and that has been one of the most rewarding things we've seen."
The Pew-MacArthur Results First Initiative works with states to invest in policies and programs that are proven to work. Learn more about evidence-based policymaking here: http://www.pewtrusts.org/en/projects/pew-macarthur-results-first-initiative
Spotlight on Mental Health
MORE FROM PEW
Explore Pew’s new and improved
Fiscal 50 interactive
Your state's stats are more accessible than ever with our new and improved Fiscal 50 interactive:
- Maps, trends, and customizable charts
- 50-state rankings
- Analysis of what it all means
- Shareable graphics and downloadable data
- Proven fiscal policy strategies
Welcome to the new Fiscal 50
Key changes include:
- State pages that help you keep track of trends in your home state and provide national and regional context.
- Interactive indicator pages with highly customizable and shareable data visualizations.
- A Budget Threads feature that offers Pew’s read on the latest state fiscal news.