Transforming Corrections: How Research and Analytics Can Improve Prison Safety

Hosted by The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center with funding and support from the U.S Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs’ Bureau of Justice Assistance 

Ensuring safety and wellness in correctional facilities is critical for leaders in the criminal justice system. The Iowa Department of Corrections (IDOC) is pioneering a new approach to prison safety by using predictive analytics and data models. These tools help IDOC make better decisions and keep everyone safer. In this virtual seminar, IDOC Research Director Sarah Fineran will share how they improved the department’s research methods and collaborated with partners to design and safely implement technology and data tools. Join us to learn how these changes are making Iowa’s correctional facilities safer and better for everyone and learn more about IDOC’s journey into analytics and data-driven decision-making. 

This event is part of the CSG Justice Center’s Advancing Data in Corrections: Virtual Academy Seminar Series. The Advancing Data in Corrections initiative works to builds data literacy and analytic capabilities within departments of corrections (DOCs) nationwide to further data-informed planning and decision-making. Through their participation in the Virtual Academy, corrections agency staff can access the program’s self-paced learning materials, community forum, peer-to-peer networks, and technical assistance at no cost. 

Speakers 

• Sarah Fineran, Research Director, Iowa Department of Corrections 
• Jowan Burton, Project Manager, State Initiatives, CSG Justice Center 
• Ruth Coffman, Deputy Program Director, State Initiatives, CSG Justice Center 
• Sara Friedman, Program Director, State Initiatives, CSG Justice Center