Exploring the Nature and Success of an Embedded Criminologist Partnership

Abstract

Embedded criminologist partnerships are one of the suggested vehicles toward translating scientific evidence into policy and practice. Previous empirical research on embedded criminologist partnerships consists of reflective accounts of researchers who have served the role, but has not systematically evaluated the utility of these collaborations. The present case study utilizes multiple data sources to systematically describe and evaluate a single embedded criminologist partnership between an academic researcher and a state corrections agency. Specific attention is given to the factors associated with success and the ways that research was translated into agency policies and practices. All parties deemed the collaborative effort successful and the majority of the initial goals were fully met. However, these successes are not surprising given the ideal circumstances under which the collaboration originated. Embedded criminologist partnerships formed under less favorable conditions may incur additional challenges that may marginalize the impact of these collaborations on a broader scale.