Resource Allocation Discussion
This week we will be looking at models to support resource allocation decisions within a criminal justice agency. In a larger perspective, local, state, and federal budgets make resource allocation decisions across a broad spectrum of agencies. Recently we saw a period where crime rates are falling, but police budgets are rising; court case filings are decreasing, but court budgets are rising; and, prison populations are declining while correction budgets are rising.
In this discussion, how would you assist government budget agencies in looking at these trends? Should budgets be decreased, just based on crime rates, case filings, and prison populations? As an analyst, what additional factors would you consider in determining correct budget levels?
Here are some readings to help you with this discussion:
Law Enforcement: https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2021/10/26/growing-share-of-americans-say-they-want-more-spending-on-police-in-their-area/
Courts: https://www.hks.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/centers/wiener/programs/pcj/files/ES-StateCourts-KeepingCourtsFunded.pdf
Corrections: https://www.vera.org/publications/price-of-prisons-2015-state-spending-trends