Program Evaluation in Criminal Justice

Program Evaluation in Criminal Justice

In looking back at the concepts and ideas learned in this course, there is one in particular that stands out in my mind above all the rest, and that is ethics in research. In viewing the concept of ethics in criminal justice research, it becomes clear that it is with these ethical standards, that all parties in a criminal investigation or proceeding are dealt with in a manner that is both respectful and accurate. Ethics provide the foundation for work and research to be completed in a manner that respects the participants along with the information that is collected from them, ensuring that a case is handled in a manner that is based in honesty and moral practice.

The definition of ethics seems simple enough, but in terms of research it becomes much broader. Attorney and author David B. Resnick defines ethics in its most simple terms as "norms for conduct that distinguish between acceptable and unacceptable behavior" (Resnick, 2009, p. 2). However, in looking at the concept in terms of a more narrowed field such as criminal justice, the definition takes on additional facets. Authors Donnelly and Trochim describe ethics in research as being made up of different principles including: voluntary participation, informed consent, participant confidentiality and anonymity, and participants' right to service (Donnelly and Trochim, 2006, p. 24).

Ethics in criminal justice research and practices seems easy enough to understand in the context of a textbook. However, it is in real world scenarios that the choice to act ethically becomes one that may prove more difficult. In order to understand how these aspects of ethical action are used in the field of criminal justice, one must put them into real-world context. In looking at ethics in terms of practical application, it is far more likely to pinpoint cases that have attracted attention either in a community or by the media because of a lack of ethical conduct. Everyone has seen television reports noting cases of individuals in the criminal justice field such as police, investigators, parole officers, etc. being offered bribes or incentives to falsify records or withhold information. It is easier to understand how necessary ethical conduct and research is in the field of criminal justice if one is able to see how horribly a case can turn if these ethics are withheld or undervalued by the individuals involved in these cases.