Making the Most Out of Researcher-Practitioner Partnerships and Collaborative Working Groups

Making the Most Out of
Researcher-Practitioner Partnerships
and Collaborative Working Groups

Jeremy M. Wilson
School of Criminal Justice
jwilson@msu.edu
September 17, 2012

© 2012 Michigan State University

Agenda

• Evolution of problem-solving working groups

• Challenges with and lessons for facilitating large
working groups

• Identifying and overcoming inherent tensions in
researcher-practitioner partnerships

© 2012 Michigan State University Wilson- 2

Agenda


working groups



Problem-Solving has Been Shown to be an
Effective Way to Reduce Crime
• Problem-solving is a systematic way to improve
community conditions by grouping common
incidents so that the underlying factors that create
them can be understood and addressed

• Scientific studies have demonstrated its success in
reducing various types of crime and violence in
various communities

• The key to success is implementation


Problem-Solving is a Systematic Process
SARA and the Crime Triangle
Scanning

Assessment Analysis

Response
Source: Center for Problem-Oriented Policing


The “Boston Miracle”
• Diverse working group diagnosed the problem of
youth firearm homicides as patterned hostility among
highly active offenders, particularly among loosely
knitted gangs

• Designed strategy to deter gang violence by reaching
out to gangs, retailing the message that violence will
no longer be tolerated, offering gang members
services and help, and reinforcing message with “lever
pulling” when violence occurred

• The approach demonstrated success, thereby leading
to replications (but questions about sustainability have
emerged)


Strategic Approach to Community
Safety Initiative (SACSI)
• Building on “The Boston Miracle”, the US DOJ
began piloting in 10 cities a nationally-driven but
locally run initiative led by US Attorneys
• Problems vary by city, ranging from gun violence to
community fear to sexual assault
• Involves 5-steps:
– Form an interagency working group
– Gather data about a local crime problem
– Design a strategic intervention
– Implement the intervention
– Assess and modify the strategy as the data
reveal effects

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN)

• SACSI was then rolled out nationally
– Led by US Attorneys, PSN involves convening a
working group of stakeholders to reduce gun
violence through data-driven federal
prosecution and community intervention

• Since 2001, approximately $2B has been invested

• Success varies by district

But many collaborative working groups exist


Agenda


working groups



Some Working Groups Experience Challenges
in Regard to Staffing…
• Turnover of working group members

• Indecision of working group

• Inertia and reluctance for action

• Politics inhibit cooperation and agreeing on
responsibility


…Planning and Analysis…

• No strategic and specific plan

• Process not data-driven

• Limited communication


…And Limited Resources

• Not enough funding

• Staff have too little time


Collaborative, Problem-solving Requires
Planning and Resources…
• Commitment to a process that is data-driven and
focused

• Greater planning
– Development of a strategic plan that builds
upon and integrates existing resources
– Process for selecting projects and allocating
funds
– Working group composition

• Adequate resources to support the plan


…And the “Right” People With a Commitment
to Sustainability
• Effective leader and researcher with adequate time
to devote
• Build legitimacy with the community (e.g., through
working groups members, partners, and outreach)
• Identifying the “right” participants
• Long-term sustainability and willingness to learn
from mistakes
• Presence of a true collaboration that involves trust
and accountability
• True dedication


Agenda


working groups



Inherent Tensions Exist in Relation to
Objectives and Desire for Implementation
Attribute Practitioners Researchers
Problem-solve/Make
Goal/Incentives Scientific development
decision
Orientation Applied Theoretical
Timeline Shorter Longer
Implementation fidelity Variable Consistent
Dosage Low/Diffused High/Focused

See Lane, Turner, and Flores (2004)


Inherent Tensions Exist in Relation to Data

Collection purpose Reporting Analysis
Collection priority Low High
Form valued Anecdotes/Cases Quantitative/Aggregate
Concern Vulnerability/Workload Validity/Reliability
Sharing Limited Open
Perceived collection Practitioners/
Researchers
responsibility Researchers



Inherent Tensions Exist in Relation to
Feedback and Deliverables
Progress updates Frequent Infrequent
Feedback for Specificity in program Generality in program
executives elements elements
Feedback for program Constantly revise Change program after
change program assessment
Reporting of results Earlier/Frequent Later/Infrequent
Products Reports/Briefings Journal articles



Additional Tensions are Present When a Client
is Involved, Especially If a Partner
Resources Fewer Greater
Mission creep Substantial Limited
Reserved/Right to
Publication rights Unlimited
review



How Can Tensions be Overcome?

Compatibility

Relationship
Communication
Building

Compromise Trust

Respect


Helpful Resources


Thank you!

For more information, contact

Jeremy M. Wilson
School of Criminal Justice
jwilson@msu.edu
© 2012 Michigan State University
(517)353-9474

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