Applied Criminology and Program Evaluation Training Course

Applied Criminology and Program Evaluation Training Course

Introduction

In today’s rapidly evolving criminal justice landscape, the integration of applied criminology and evidence-based program evaluation is essential for developing effective interventions, reducing recidivism, and enhancing public safety. Applied Criminology and Program Evaluation Training Course equips professionals with the practical skills and analytical frameworks needed to evaluate criminal justice programs through the lens of modern criminological theories, data analytics, and policy analysis. The course empowers participants to understand crime patterns, assess justice program effectiveness, and implement strategies rooted in data-driven decision-making and predictive analytics.

Participants will gain hands-on experience with real-world case studies, learning to measure program impact and enhance outcomes using both qualitative and quantitative evaluation methods. This course is ideal for professionals seeking to align justice programs with best practices in restorative justice, crime prevention, and criminal behavior assessment. By the end of the course, participants will be able to craft effective evaluations that inform public policy, shape institutional reform, and advance social justice through actionable insights.

Course Objectives

1. Apply evidence-based criminology principles to real-world scenarios.
2. Design and implement logic models for crime intervention programs.
3. Utilize predictive analytics in criminal justice program evaluations.
4. Conduct cost-benefit analysis of correctional and diversion programs.
5. Evaluate community policing initiatives using quantitative tools.
6. Integrate trauma-informed care principles in offender rehabilitation assessments.
7. Analyze crime trends using geospatial mapping tools (GIS).
8. Improve program efficiency through impact evaluation techniques.
9. Interpret data using SPSS, R, and Excel for criminal justice analysis.
10. Develop performance metrics for reentry and recidivism programs.
11. Assess the effectiveness of restorative justice and diversion models.
12. Understand the role of cultural competence in program delivery.
13. Translate evaluation findings into policy and strategic recommendations.

Target Audiences

1. Criminal Justice Professionals
2. Law Enforcement Officers
3. Correctional Administrators
4. Program Evaluators & Policy Analysts
5. Social Workers in Criminal Justice Settings
6. Graduate Students in Criminology or Public Policy
7. Community-Based Organization Leaders
8. Government & NGO Project Managers

Course Duration: 10 days

Course Modules

Module 1: Foundations of Applied Criminology

• Introduction to criminological theories
• Real-world application of crime models
• Rational choice vs. social learning
• Interdisciplinary approaches to crime
• Critical criminology & deviance
• Case Study: Applying strain theory to urban youth violence

Module 2: Introduction to Program Evaluation

• Types of evaluations: formative, process, summative
• Logic model development
• Key evaluation questions
• Defining indicators and outcomes
• Stakeholder analysis and engagement
• Case Study: Evaluating a youth intervention initiative

Module 3: Research Design & Methodology

• Experimental vs. quasi-experimental design
• Sampling techniques
• Data collection methods
• Survey development best practices
• Qualitative research and thematic analysis
• Case Study: Evaluation design for a domestic violence shelter program

Module 4: Data Analysis Tools

• Introduction to SPSS and R
• Using Excel for basic analysis
• Descriptive and inferential statistics
• Regression and correlation analysis
• Visualizing data for impact reports
• Case Study: Crime trend analysis using SPSS

Module 5: Program Logic Models

• Constructing a logic model step-by-step
• Inputs, outputs, outcomes, and impact
• Aligning logic models with organizational goals
• Logic model critique and refinement
• Communication of program theory
• Case Study: Logic model for offender reentry program

Module 6: Evidence-Based Practice in Criminal Justice

• Understanding evidence hierarchies
• Identifying credible sources and databases
• Using research to inform practice
• Integrating best practices into program design
• Barriers to implementation
• Case Study: Implementing EBP in probation supervision

Module 7: Evaluation Metrics and Indicators

• Selecting relevant indicators
• Process vs. outcome indicators
• Setting benchmarks and performance standards
• Using dashboards to track progress
• Continuous quality improvement (CQI)
• Case Study: Indicators for evaluating a gang prevention program

Module 8: Ethics in Program Evaluation

• Informed consent and confidentiality
• Minimizing harm to participants
• Addressing bias and conflict of interest
• Ethics in data collection and reporting
• Institutional Review Board (IRB) processes
• Case Study: Ethical issues in evaluating police bodycam use

Module 9: Crime Mapping & Spatial Analysis

• Basics of GIS technology
• Identifying crime hotspots
• Spatial correlation techniques
• Predictive policing and ethical concerns
• Visualization of spatial data
• Case Study: Using GIS to track property crimes in urban areas

Module 10: Evaluating Restorative Justice Programs

• Principles of restorative justice
• Measuring victim and offender satisfaction
• Comparing reoffending rates
• Community engagement outcomes
• Cultural context in evaluation
• Case Study: Restorative circle program in schools

Module 11: Cost-Benefit & Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

• Differentiating CBA and CEA
• Estimating direct and indirect costs
• Valuing program outcomes
• Using tools for economic evaluation
• Reporting findings to funders and stakeholders
• Case Study: Cost-benefit analysis of drug court programs

Module 12: Evaluation in Correctional Settings

• Recidivism tracking and analysis
• Prison education and vocational program assessment
• Behavior change outcomes
• Mental health program evaluation
• Challenges in correctional settings
• Case Study: Evaluating a prison-based substance abuse program

Module 13: Community-Based Program Evaluation

• Partnering with community organizations
• Empowerment evaluation model
• Participatory approaches
• Cultural sensitivity in evaluation
• Community feedback mechanisms
• Case Study: Evaluation of a neighborhood crime watch program

Module 14: Translating Evaluation into Policy

• Communicating findings to decision-makers
• Policy brief creation
• Infographics and visual reports
• Framing messages for impact
• Legislative and budget implications
• Case Study: Using program data to advocate for youth services

Module 15: Final Project & Capstone Evaluation

• Participants select a real or simulated program
• Develop logic model and evaluation plan
• Conduct partial evaluation or analysis
• Present findings to peer panel
• Peer review and feedback
• Case Study: Participant-designed evaluation of an anti-recidivism initiative

Training Methodology

• Interactive lectures led by experts in criminology and program evaluation
• Hands-on workshops for tool and method practice
• Group discussions and peer learning activities
• Case study analysis to connect theory with real-world applications
• Simulated evaluations and logic model development
• Capstone project for practical application of course concepts

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: [email protected] or call +254724527104 

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

 We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to DATASTAT CONSULTANCY LTD account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.