Research Reports

Over a two-year period (2015-2017), UCJC conducted evidence-based program evaluations and provided technical assistance to contracted providers serving probationers under Utah’s Drug Offender Reform Act (DORA) and Local Substance Abuse Authority (LSAA) sites. Programs were assessed using the Correctional Program Checklist (CPC), which was developed by the University of…

The Community Connection Center (CCC) was created by the Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD) in 2016 to “provide a safe environment for people to access individualized care, support, and appropriate community resources.” In 2017, UCJC evaluated the program to determine if it was meeting its intended goals.

UCJC conducted a study regarding the efficacy of Utah's mental health courts (MHCs). In Phase 1 (2014-2015), we studied 43 MHCs across the United States, Australia, and Canada. In Phase 2 (2017-2018), we assessed the efficacy of Utah's MHCs using a matched sample of individuals with similar treatment and criminal histories. This report provides details on the programs, participants, eligibility criteria, and methods/outcomes used . . .

Conducting structured risk assessments with offenders is valuable but expensive. Brief risk assessments are less time- and resource-intensive but can allow criminal justice entities to determine which individuals are low-risk vs which should receive a comprehensive risk assessment. In UCJC's 2014-2015 study, we evaluated brief instruments that predict general and violent recidivism, failure to appear, and technical violations. . .

UCJC conducted an evaluation (2015) of the Response and Incentive Matrix (RIM) developed to respond to compliance with and/or violations of Utah probationers' and parolees' supervision conditions. The tool was created by a committee that included representatives from the Utah Sentencing Commission, Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) . . .