Risk, Need, Responsivity (RNR) Simulation Tool Project

This program is funded under both the Edward Byrne Memorial Competitive Grant Program (Byrne Competitive Program) and the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program. Authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 111-8), the Byrne Competitive Program helps local communities improve the capacity of state and local justice systems and provides for national support efforts including training and technical assistance programs strategically targeted to address local needs. The JAG Program (42 U.S.C. 3751) is the primary provider of federal criminal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions, and JAG funds support all components of the criminal justice system. The JAG Program authorization also states that 'the Attorney General may reserve not more than 5 percent, to be granted to 1 or more States or units of local government, for 1 or more of the purposes specified in section 3751 of this title, pursuant to his determination that the same is necessary'(1) to combat, address, or otherwise respond to precipitous or extraordinary increases in crime, or in a type or types of crime' (42 U.S.C. 3756).

The National Initiative: Encouraging Innovation: Field-Initiated Programs is designed to strengthen the criminal justice system by challenging those in the field to identify and define emerging or chronic systemic issues faced by one or more components of the criminal justice continuum (includes but not limited to law enforcement, corrections, courts, and community collaborations) and to propose innovative solutions to address these issues.

The George Mason University will develop a Risk, Need, Responsivity (RNR) Simulation Tool that will assist federal, state and local jurisdictions define the type and nature of correctional options available in their jurisdictions. The RNR Simulation Tool will help jurisdictions assess their current system, identify gaps, and prioritize both services and controls (drug testing, electronic monitoring, etc.) based on desired outcomes. The RNR Simulation Tool will be web-based allowing jurisdictions to modify the parameters of the model based on the unique features of their jurisdictions. The RNR Simulation Tool will complement efforts to advance the use of evidence-based practices by helping jurisdictions strategically review their existing correctional and treatment services and then make choices based on maximizing different outcomes (i.e. costs, offender change, and public safety) in their jurisdiction.

CA/NCF