Overview

The final project for this course is the creation of a solutionproposal. The final product represents an authentic demonstration ofcompetency because you must present an analysis, defend a proposed solution,and illustrate a plan for communicating a proposal to both internal andexternal audiences. The project is divided into two milestones, whichwill be submitted at various points throughout the course to scaffold learningand ensure quality final submissions. These milestones will be submitted in ModulesFive and Seven. The final product will be submitted in Module Nine.

In this assignment, you will demonstrate your mastery of thefollowing course outcomes:

 Determine patterns and trends present in criminal justicedata that inform data-driven decision making regarding contemporary criminaljustice issues

 Determine appropriate research that supports decisionmaking regarding contemporary criminal justice issues

 Employ strategic methods used by leaders in the field ofcriminal justice for informing the decision-making process of data-drivensolutions

 Propose data-driven solutions that address contemporaryissues in criminal justice agencies

 Communicate to diverse audiences data-drivenrecommendations that address contemporary criminal justice issues using bestpractices of the field

Prompt

For your final project, you will assume the role of a leaderwithin a criminal justice organization of your choice. Based on your chosenscenario, you will be presented with a specific challenge faced by yourorganization that is emblematic of wider issues in contemporary criminal justice.Your task is to develop an evidence-based solution for the problem, which willbe articulated in a formal solution proposal to be presented to yourorganization’s leadership team. You will be given information (including this dataset) for your scenario, but you must also conduct your own research oncomparable organizations and trends in the field to determine opportunities andexternal threats. You will use the data, your research, and your knowledge oftheory to develop an informed, data-driven solution to the issue. Finally, youwill conclude your solution proposal by identifying internal and externalaudiences for your solution and creating examples of targeted communicationsfor disseminating your ideas.

Based on the best available data and research, what is theideal solution for addressing the challenge facing your organization?

Specifically, you must address the critical elements listedbelow. Most of the critical elements align with a particular course outcome(shown in brackets).

I. Introduction: In this section, establish a contextthat provides your audience with any background information that is necessaryfor understanding your proposal.

II. Theory and Methods: In this section, explain thetheoretical frameworks that underpin your analysis and proposed solution.

a) Identify foundational criminology theories thatapply to your chosen organization and the challenge it faces. Draw connectionsbetween the theories and the specific context that will ultimately support youranalysis and your proposed solution.

b) Examine the strategic methods used by leaders inthe field for approaching problems such as yours. For example, what do thecurrent best practices in the field suggest in terms of researching andinvestigating the issue? Highlight methods that support your proposal.

c) Similarly, identify best practices in the fieldfor communicating with diverse audiences. Illustrate these practiceswith specific examples that will ultimately support your communication plan.

III. Literature Review: In this section, present allof the evidence that you have analyzed (including the provided data and yourindependent research)and that will support your proposed solution.

a) Data Analysis: Using the provided data, determineany patterns and trends that are present. What meaning and significance can youglean from the data?

b) Research: Present your research on the issue thatbuilds on the patterns and trends you identified in the data. For example, arethere prior solutions that similar organizations have implemented in addressingthis type of issue? What meaning and significance can you glean from yourresearch?

c) Root Causes: Based on your data analysis andindependent research, explain what you believe to be the root causes of theissue. Logically justify your conclusion using the evidence.

IV. Proposal: In this section, present and defendyour plan for solving the issue facing your organization.

a) Solution:

i. Based on your theoretical framework and your analysis andresearch, propose a solution that effectively addresses the issue.

ii. Illustrate your proposal with the specific steps thatthe organization would need to take in order to properly execute the solution.

iii. Recommend strategic methods that leadership of theorganization could apply in effectively implementing your proposedsolution.

b) Defense:

i. Explain how your solution will improve thesituation for both your organization and the community that is affected by theissue. Use specific examples to illustrate.

ii. Explain how the data you analyzed and the trendsyou identified have guided you to this solution. In other words, how did youranalysis of the data inform your decision making? Use specific examples toillustrate.

iii. Explain how your research led you to thissolution. In other words, how did the evidence in your research inform yourdecision making? Use specific examples to illustrate.

V. Communication Plan: In this section, explain howyou will disseminate the key ideas of your proposal.

a) Determine who the key internal and external audiences foryour proposal are, and explain how you would present the information tothem. Your communication plan should reflect the best practices in the field,as discussed in your Theory and Methods section.

b) Choose one internal audience and develop a samplecommunication for them regarding your proposed solution. Be sure that yourcommunication is appropriate for this audience and is aligned with bestpractices in the field.

c) Choose one external audience and develop a samplecommunication for them regarding your proposed solution. Be sure that yourcommunication is appropriate for this audience and is aligned with bestpractices in the field.

VI. References: In this section, cite all of yoursources using APA formatting and guidelines.

Guidelines for Submission: Your solution proposal shouldbe 10–12 pages in length (plus a cover page and references) and should bewritten in APA format. Use double spacing, 12-point Times New Roman font, andone-inch margins.