As you have learned, there are no easy answers to complex problems. Policy formation often rests on complex negotiations between different stakeholders that result in policies that may be far different than the ones that were originally conceived. Police, court officials, and correctional staff members who implement these laws or policies are frequently left with a poor policy that is seldom evaluated, and sometimes interest disappears with the next funding cycle or election. As a result, employees of criminal justice systems tend to be cynical about each new change or reform, and they typically take a “wait and see” attitude to decide whether these reforms will last. This presents a challenge at implementation.

As the hypothetical leader of a criminal justice agency, how would you attempt to overcome this cynicism to further successful implementation? 

 

Please discuss using at least 150 words.