Describe one way in which you have applied data analysis or research in your professional experience.

Criminal justice professionals use data analysis and research to learn more about crime, its causes, and ways to prevent it. Virtually every single aspect of the criminal justice system is guided to some extent by data analysis and research. For example, police departments use data analysis and research to determine hot spots of criminal activity and to decide where to dispatch police officers. They also use data analysis and research to evaluate whether increasing the number of police officers in a specific area actually reduces crime. Criminal justice professionals in correctional facilities—such as probation departments, prisons, and jails—use data analysis and research to determine how incarceration affects crime rates and to examine the impact of rehabilitation programs on recidivism rates. In short, data analysis and research is used in almost every facet of the criminal justice system. In this Discussion, you consider the importance of data analysis and research in professional criminal justice settings.

response to the following:

The professional experience may be in a different field than criminal justice. Focus on the ways in which you have applied data analysis or research to be relevant in that field.

If you have not had professional experience applying data or analysis in your professional experience, describe one way in which you could have applied them to achieve a positive outcome.

Bachman, R. D., & Schutt, R. K. (2019). The practice of research in criminology and criminal justice (7th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.