Webinar on Advancing Equitable Research in the Criminal Legal System

Webinar Overview

Join J-PAL North America’s Advancing Equitable Research in the Criminal Legal System Webinar to learn how the new Initiative for Effective US Crime Policy (IECP) supports randomized evaluations of strategies to build a more effective and fair criminal legal system. Through targeted Request for Proposal (RFP) cycles, IECP provides funding and resources to advance this work.

This webinar will introduce the inaugural Request for Proposals, including guidance on how to apply, the types of projects IECP seeks to support, and resources available for funded projects.

A central focus of IECP is advancing racial equity. J-PAL is especially interested in studies that reduce bias, promote fairness, and center the perspectives of communities most affected by the criminal legal system. Persistent racial disparities highlight the need for rigorous, innovative approaches. This event will spotlight how randomized evaluations can generate credible evidence to inform policy, reduce inequities, and improve safety and fairness.

Participants will hear from leading researchers who will:

• Provide operational guidance on the RFP, including proposal types, funding structures, eligibility, and application process.
• Share insights from projects that embed racial equity into  research design and methods.
• Discuss challenges and lessons learned in conducting research at the intersection of crime and racial equity.

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Agenda

10:35am - 10:40am | Introductions 

10:40am - 10:50am | RFP Overview 

10:50am - 11:20am | Researcher Presentations 

• 10:50am - 11:05am | Understanding Demand for Police Alternatives
• 11:05am - 11:20am | Blind Justice: Algorithmically Masking Race in Prosecutorial Charging Decisions

11:20am - 11:50am | Audience Q&A 

11:50am - 11:55am | Closing and Next Steps

Presentation Descriptions

Presentation 1: Understanding Demand for Police Alternatives 

This project examines how communities respond to the availability of non-police crisis response options. By studying whether residents turn to alternative responders in place of traditional policing, the project seeks to understand how these approaches can reduce racial disparities in law enforcement interactions and promote safer, more equitable outcomes.

Presenter: Bocar Ba, Associate Professor, Duke University 

Presentation 2: Blind Justice: Algorithmically Masking Race in Prosecutorial Charging Decisions

This project explores whether concealing racial and demographic information from prosecutors during charging decisions can mitigate bias and promote fairness in the criminal legal process. By rigorously testing how blinded decision-making affects prosecutorial outcomes, the study provides evidence on a promising reform aimed at addressing racial disparities in charging.

Presenter: Alex Chohlas-Wood, Assistant Professor, New York University

Contact us

Questions? Get in touch with us via [email protected]