The scientists at the SRC who are engaged in criminal justice research are primarily concerned with the development, implementation, and evaluation of innovative drug abuse treatment strategies for drug-dependent individuals under criminal justice supervision (e.g., pre-trial detainees, prisoners, probationers, and parolees).  Their research assesses the impact of rehabilitative interventions on the frequency and severity of criminal activity, as well as on drug use.  Moreover, it seeks to determine the extent to which these interventions assist newly released detainees and prisoners with issues central to their successful re-entry into society, such as legitimate employment and housing.  Because these studies are unique in that they require collaboration between such diverse agencies as treatment, corrections, and research, each of which has different priorities and agendas, it is important to examine the implementation process.

Criminal justice research may also involve examining the relationship between various substance abuse patterns and criminal activity, both in general and for different types of individuals who may vary in terms of ethnicity, gender, age, and treatment responsiveness.  Finally, research findings may assist practitioners and policy makers in the implementation of evidence-based interventions that will reduce drug dependence and criminal behavior.  

FRI scientists currently working within this field include the following: