Policy Analysis Paper

Policy Analysis Paper: One needs to be able to practically apply course information to real-life scenarios and current policy. To that end, you will write a policy analysis paper that will discuss a problem within the Criminal Justice field and implications to address the problem. Early in the course, identify a problem or issue in the field of Criminal Justice which interests you. The paper will include a statement of the problem section, as well as a section discussing empirical implications to address the problem. At least half of the paper should focus on your analysis of those issues providing your recommendations for the way forward. This may be in the form of very tangible and specific recommendations or actions that need to be taken to further flesh out the issue(s), or both. The paper will be required to have a minimum of five (5) academic peer-reviewed sources. These are available through Tarleton Library https://www.tarleton.edu/library/get-help/research.html(Links to an external site.) (Links to an external site.) The following links are also useful in helping find academic sources: https://scholar.google.com/ (Links to an external site.) https://www.tarleton.edu/library/research/databases.html (Links to an external site.) http://online.sagepub.com/ (Links to an external site.) The following are generally NOT appropriate sources and should generally not be used as a material source: Wikipedia Websites or Blogs Media, TV, Radio, Podcasts, or Movies Use direct quotes sparingly. In general, you should paraphrase all citations. This paper will be 8-10 full pages of text (excluding cover page, reference list, and appendices), in APA format. An excellent source on the APA format is https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/general_format.html (Links to an external site.) I highly recommend the use of the TSU Writing Center. Among many services, the Center has an outstanding online tutorial you can access at https://www.tarleton.edu/writingcenter/onlineinfo.html (Links to an external site.) Most importantly – I expect creativity, academic curiosity, and innovation in your analysis of the problem you have identified. This is the essence of what distinguishes an outstanding undergraduate paper. Do not give me readily available data distilled down to a summary with well-known recommendations. Put significant effort into identifying an issue and creativity in analyzing it and defining solutions that will contribute to the mission of the Criminal Justice community. There are three distinct assignments related to this paper. First, you will submit a statement of the problem and general abstract of your topic (approximately 300 words) by March 7 (feel free to submit earlier). I will provide you feedback and topic approval promptly. You are then free to start researching and drafting your paper. Your second assignment is to submit a draft of your paper by April 11. I will promptly provide feedback on your draft. Final research papers are due May 9.