In this module, we read about implementation evaluation. Specifically, the "process" components or inputs that are required to run criminal justice programs. Implementation is a big concern, because resources are spent here, and the potential for mistakes and mismanagement is substantial. Mears comments on juvenile transfer and domestic violence mandatory arrest laws as two examples for our review.

In this week's discussion, the first of two concerning implementation, please consider and respond to this question: Because criminal justice policies frequently involve many activities, and because it may not be possible to evaluate all such activities, what criteria should we use for selecting the policies whose implementation we will evaluate? In other words, should some parts of implementation (or implementation of some programs) be prioritized? If so, which one(s), and why? Should we pay more attention to the largest and/or most expensive programs, or the ones that are most difficult to faithfully implement?