Policy Analysis Paper

Your assignment is to gain a thorough understanding of the nature and extent of your selected problem.

You will

(1) describe the problem you have discovered;

(2) provide background of the problem (i.e., answer questions of what, who, when, where, and how using credible statistics); and

(3) after evaluating the effectiveness of existing policy, practice, strategy, or initiative through a review of the existing research literature, propose a logical crime-control policy, practice, strategy, or initiative for addressing this problem.

Page length: 12 pages of content(meaning be sure to have reached Page 12 of content, and be sure not to reach Page 13, which can sometimes be harder than reaching the minimum).

Outline and formatting.

Cover Page

Abstract (250 words). Key Words (five minimum)

I. Introduction

A. Statement of the problem

B. Why important to your program of study

C. Give roadmap of what this paper is about

II. Background of the problem/issue

A. Historical

B. Explaining why this exists (cite theory and/or concepts)

C. What are current policies/practices?

III. What to do about it

A. What are you proposing to do about it (new policy, strategy, law)?

B. Critical review of your idea - why it may or may not work? What research supports your idea?

IV. Conclusion

A. Summarize main points. What are strengths and weaknesses of your plan?

B. Suggestions for future research

V. References (minimum of 15 credible)

VI. Appendices (if appropriate)