Letter from the Editors in Chief

• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1111/1745-9133.12533
• Author: Cynthia Lum,Christopher S. Koper
• Published date: 01 November 2020
• Date: 01 November 2020

DOI: ./-. 

EDITORIAL INTRODUCTION

Letter from the Editors in Chief

Cynthia Lum Christopher S. Koper

Editors in Chief, Center for Evidence-Based Crime Policy,Department of Criminology, Law and Society, George Mason

University, Fairfax, Virginia

This year, to commemorateour first volume () as chief editors of Criminology & Public Policy,

we focused on three timely issues to criminal justice policy and practice, and also tried to increase

the opportunities for a diverse group of scholars and practitioners to publish in CPP. For Issue

, we called forth experts on mass shootings, given that this has been one of the most pressing

concerns that many countries, and in particular the United States, have faced in recent years.

When George Floyd was killed and massive protests for police reform began at the beginning of

this summer, our planned issue on policing (Issue ) also became especially timely, highlighting

several topics relevant to the nation’s currentcriminal justice dialogue.

This issue reflects another special call for papers and emphasizes a justice-related concern

that clearly needs more attention. Issue  showcases our strong interest in publishing evalua-

tion research that examines the effectiveness of interventions, programs, laws, and policies that

attempt to reduce or mitigate disparities in the criminal justice system. Even before the summer

protests, we felt that while there has been a great deal of research showing that disparities exist

in the criminal justice system, scant evaluation research has been done to determine what might

work to mitigate those disparities.The papers in this issue are an excellent addition to this small

body of research, but it is clear that much more scientific evidence is needed to inform current dis-

cussions of the future of our criminal justice system. We will continue to encourage submissions

in this area throughout our editorial term, as this is one of our editorial priorities.

Wealso include two special features in this issue. The first is a debate of direct importance to the

translation and dissemination of research for application and use (another major priority of our

editorship). Delbert Elliott and colleagues debate Mark Lipsey over the value of formulaic model

programs in juvenile justice relative to more general programs informed by meta-analysis and

other evidence-based principles. Brandon Welshalso provides an additional perspective, couching

his discussion more generally in the evidence-based crime policy movement. Wehope readers will

enjoy this lively debate and discussion that addresses some of the core issues in the translation

and use of evaluation research in criminal justice practice.

The second feature is new to CPP and invites the Stockholm Prize winners to write about their

work and hopes for the field. The Stockholm Prize is one of the most prestigious accolades in our

field and emphasizes the practical application of research in policy and practice. In this issue, we

feature the  Stockholm winners—Professors Philip J. Cook and Franklin E. Zimring—who

have been recognized for their highly influential work on gun policy. We congratulate them on

Criminology & Public Policy. ;:–. ©  American Society of Criminology 1071wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/capp