Alaska Justice Information Center issues first report on Alaska Results First Initiative

Dr. Brad Myrstol (standing center), AJiC Director, welcomed the group.
Dr. Araceli Valle (far right at podium), AJiC Research Professional, presented
data from the report.

The Alaska Justice Information Center (AJiC) recently presented its first progress report and initial findings describing work on the Alaska Results First Initiative to the AJiC Steering Committee. The steering committee was formed to provide the AJiC Director with ongoing input and guidance, and to facilitate the work of AJiC. The AJiC Steering Committee comprises key criminal justice policymakers and stakeholders, including state government and tribal entity representatives.

This first report describes the development of an inventory of adult criminal justice programs in Alaska  - both prison- and community-based, and the process to determine each program's level of effectiveness. 

Dr. Myrstol, (standing), AJiC Director, and Sarah Galgano,
Pew Results First Technical Assistance Team, discussed how
recidivism data are collected and analyzed.

AJiC will next be working with the Pew-MacArthur Results First benefit-cost model which calculates the monetary benefits of an adult criminal justice program based on its expected effect on recidivism. Baseline cohorts have been identified and will be studied during a 7-year follow-up period to analyze recidivism rates.

The Pew-Mac Arthur Results First Initiative technical team  provides assistance to AJiC, and team members also attended and presented information  to the steering committee.  In spring 2015, Alaska became the 19th jurisdiction to partner with the Pew-MacArthur Results First Initiative, a joint effort of The Pew Charitable Trusts and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. The goal of this initiative is to encourage states to be good stewards of public monies by developing policies and investing in program that rigorous research has shown to be effective.