Small Experiments, Big Change: HOPE Probation and the Use of Demonstration Projects to Advance Criminal Justice Reform

• NCJ Number: 247268
• Author(s): Audrey Fox; Emily Gold
• Date Published: 2011
• Length: 12 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2009-DD-BX-K017
• Agencies: BJA-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description

Annotation

This paper discusses the lessons learned from implementation of the HOPE (Hawaii's Opportunity Probation with Enforcement) model in Hawaii's court system.

Abstract

The HOPE (Hawaii's Opportunity Probation with Enforcement) model was developed in 2004 and successfully used in the local court system. Due to early promising results from implementation of HOPE, the model was soon expanded to courts throughout the State and eventually around the country. This report highlights the lessons learned from implementation of the HOPE model and discusses similar reforms that have been developed and implemented in the same manner. The lessons learned from development and implementation of a project that goes from being a short-term demonstration project to one that is replicated on a broad, national scale are 1) identify specific problems that the project aims to tackle; 2) start small - start with a small number of participants and then scale up; 3) use data to track the project's progress and demonstrate the value of the model; 4) be flexible and make adjustments along the way; and 5) sustain success and keep the model going after initial enthusiasm for the project has died down. Reform efforts that are similar in design to the HOPE model include the Drug Market Initiative in High Point, NC; the COMPSTAT policing strategy developed by the New York City Police Department; the community prosecution model used in numerous courts around the county; the use of drug courts to reduce local jail populations; and the Bronx Defenders program implemented in New York City. 8 notes