Contact Information NJ Department of Corrections Office of Policy & Planning - Research & Evaluation Unit PO Box 863 Trenton, NJ 08625 Doug Gerardi, Ph.D., Director, Office of Policy & Planning             609-984-4578 (Office) 609-633-2112 (Fax)             douglas.gerardi@doc.state.nj.us             Kristen Zgoba, Ph.D., Supervising Research Scientist             609-777-4256 (Office) 609-633-2112 (Fax)             kristen.zgoba@doc.state.nj.us Sabrina Haugebrook, MPA, Research Scientist             609-984-5715 (Office) 609-633-2112 (Fax)             sabrina.haugebrook@doc.state.nj.us Melissa Plappert, L.S.W., Research Scientist            609-292-5670 (Office) 609-633-2112 (Fax)            melissa.plappert@doc.state.nj.us Office of Public Information             609-292-4640

REU Associated Links Academy of Criminal Justice Studies American Correctional Association American Society of Criminology Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers Bureau of Justice Statistics Bureau of Prisons Justice Research and Statistics Association National Criminal Justice Reference Service National Institute of Corrections National Institute of Justice New Jersey Chapter American Correctional Association New Jersey Sex Offender Internet Registry Rutgers School of Criminal Justice

The Research and Evaluation Unit falls under the Office of Policy and Planning and provides statistical support and analysis, including empirical research and program evaluation services to/of the various program divisions and units within the New Jersey Department of Corrections. The Research and Evaluation Unit’s mission is to conduct and facilitate action-oriented research that informs and influences policy and practice.

Our Goal

Our goal is to produce statistical reports detailing programs administered by the department, to develop program performance measures, conduct baseline assessments, formulate evaluation plans and provide access to recent research and outcome studies. The Outcome-Based Evaluations utilize quantitative figures to determine measurable outcomes and assess final program goals. These outcome evaluations place the emphasis on the program objectives or outcomes: what happens to inmates/subjects as a result of their participation in the program.

The Research and Evaluation Unit, along with various members of the Research Review Board, also evaluates research proposals and designates the organizational unit where research will be performed. The Departmental Research Review Board (DRRB) ensures that research proposals are reviewed and, if approved, shall be conducted within the constraints of all organizational unit, NJ DOC, state and federal regulations, guidelines and requirements. At the completion of the DRRB review, the DRRB shall ensure that all recommendations to approve or disapprove research requests be presented to the Commissioner, NJ DOC for final review and determination of approval or disapproval prior to official notification to the requester.