Risk Assessment

We seek to apply data science to the field of criminal justice, working with jurisdictions to improve their use of risk assessments, while promoting the ideals of transparency and fairness.

The Center for Justice Innovation is committed to improving decision-making in the criminal justice process. When used carefully and ethically, risk assessments can facilitate more informed decisions on bail and pretrial detention. At a time when pretrial detention has been identified as a primary driver of jail populations, risk assessments have contributed to important reforms, promoting the diversion of defendants from jail.

At the Center, we have developed risk assessments for use with specific defendant populations (such as the Criminal Court Assessment Tool), and offer expert assistance for criminal justice practitioners working to implement their own instruments. We are also committed to advancing an informed public conversation about both the potential and the challenges of risk assessment. To this end, we have hosted dialogues bringing together policy-makers with data scientists and ethicists and examined the issue of how risk assessment impacts racial disparities.

Initiatives

MacArthur Foundation’s Safety and Justice Challenge

The MacArthur Foundation’s Safety and Justice Challenge seeks to reduce over-incarceration by changing the way America thinks about and uses jails.
Rethinking Rikers Island

By providing support to the Independent Commission on Criminal Justice and Incarceration Reform, we're aiding in the effort to reduce New York City’s jail population and close Rikers Island.

Publications & Digital Media

Label:Publication

Beyond the Algorithm: Pretrial Reform, Risk Assessment, and Racial Fairness

by Sarah Picard, Matt Watkins, Michael Rempel, and Ashmini G. Kerodal

Drawing on a case study of more than 175,000 defendants in New York City, this report concludes concerns over risk assessments perpetuating racial disparities in pretrial decisions are real. However, at least in the New York City example, it finds a more targeted use of risk assessments could both significantly reduce pretrial detention and alleviate racial disparities. But realizing that potential requires jurisdictions to think "beyond the algorithm"—what do they want to use a risk assessment for?

Addressing Racial Disparities, Bail Reform, Risk Assessment, Technology
Label:Publication

Minding the Machines: AI and the Criminal Legal Space

by Julian Adler, Jethro Antoine, and Laith Al-Saadoon

Technology is not an excuse for ducking the hard problem of values. When it comes to the use of artificial intelligence in the justice space, we can't ignore the histories of risk assessment and electronic monitoring. With the adoption of AI already underway in criminal legal systems, the time is now for humans—not machines—to ask: What do we want to use AI for?

Addressing Racial Disparities, Risk Assessment, Technology
Label:Webinar

CCAT Training Series - Module Four: Best Practices for Implementation

Before implementing the CCAT, jurisdictions should consider how the tool will be used and enact policies to support these goals. This module will explore the national landscape of CCAT implementation and offer tips for effectively implementing the CCAT, including stakeholder collaboration, data mining, decision-making frameworks, and revalidation.

Risk Assessment, Evidence-Based Practices

See All Publications and Digital Media →

We work with reformers around the world.

Do you need help solving a problem, launching a new initiative or improving an old one?

Contact Our Experts →

Initiatives

Publications & Digital Media

Publications Results

Beyond the Algorithm: Pretrial Reform, Risk Assessment, and Racial Fairness

Minding the Machines: AI and the Criminal Legal Space

CCAT Training Series - Module Four: Best Practices for Implementation

We work with reformers around the world.