policy-making.

1) Agenda Setting: This is the problem identification stage. Discuss the growing public concerns about the issue, major events, news accounts, public groups, such as MADD, etc. that led to the policy getting on the policy-makers’ / agency’s agenda.
2) Formulation: This usually takes place in the legislative arena (local, state, or federal), but also, as will be the case with many of our issues, agencies may be implementing policies for improvement of services, such as the police. Discuss any political, funding, or budget issues, and/or competing views/public interest groups/conflicts with the issue that arise.
3) Implementation: Discuss the problems that arise with any new laws, penalties, confusion, and limitations that arise within the agencies implementing the new policy. With DUI, that included the police, courts, and others that had to deal with funding shortfalls, personnel, and acquisition of new equipment problems. Also, with DUI, in order for states to receive federal funding to implement the policy, they had to pass laws where the blood-alcohol content was at least 0.08, which is now standard in all states.
4) Impact of the policy: Does the policy work? Questions must be asked. Do police departments have adequate funding? Has the law been fully implemented? Was DUI deterred? Do we need more rehabilitation programs? Did DUI incidences decrease?
5) Evaluation: How were the funds used in the program? What were the outcomes of the program? Today, evidence-based practices are used which is a data driven and expert approach. The approach relies on scientific research, not just subjective opinions on the success of the program. Was the program ended? Were there programs, that were deemed a success at the time to address DUI while others were not?

HELPFUL HINTS
As you will see from your readings and research, the issues we will examine have already had agencies examine or laws passed to address a problem. When you are performing independent research, look for the current status of any programs, laws, legislative bills pending, policy/program/implementation successes, or failures.
As a student of academia, it is vital that you are skeptical of sources. **Do NOT use any source with “pedia” in its title, or Britannica as examples. These sources are not considered credible in academia. Also, do not use a source that is “for entertainment” purposes. Only use sources that use verified information and are established, trusted, and reliable. Here are some ideas to get your creative brain juices flowing with your essays.
Examine to see what progress has been made to date on the issues in your independent research:
Community Policing: What are agencies doing to implement this policing strategy? Or IRL?
Use of Force: How are police agencies addressing Use of Force Issues? (Articles cover this extensively). Research current ideas, etc. for policy.
Sentencing: What laws have been passed (hint: 1984 Sentencing Act-Federal Sentencing Guidelines or individual Sentencing State Guidelines laws) to deal with sentencing issues? Has disparity in sentencing been achieved?
Wrongful Convictions: What has helped reduce the chances for this? DNA programs? Innocence Project? Governors’ moratoriums?
Prison/jail mortality/overcrowding: What laws have been passed or prison reforms have been developed to deal with Prison mortality/overcrowding? Corrections agencies, such as the Bureau of Prisons, policies to deal with the issue?
Death Penalty: Courts have addressed the Death Penalty (research court cases and what they recommended in the cases, and/or how District Attorney’s offices/US Attorney’s offices have dealt with implementation). Can also look at cost-benefit analysis issues in Evaluation.
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