Pre-Conference Workshop 2: Accessing and Using Criminal Legal System Data for Research

Sunday, February 28, 2027, 12:30pm - 4:30pm

Facilitator: Forrest Behne (Duke University)

Accessing reliable data from the criminal legal system can be challenging, particularly when information is fragmented across agencies or not readily available to researchers. This interactive workshop will explore practical strategies for identifying, requesting, and using criminal legal system data to inform research, policy, and practice.

Participants will learn approaches to locating publicly available data, working with community and institutional partners, and using Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and other public records requests to obtain information. Drawing on real-world research examples, the workshop will also explore how to assess data availability and feasibility before launching a project.

Participants will be encouraged to bring their own research questions or data needs for discussion and practical application.

Pre-Conference workshops include continental breakfast and lunch.

ACCJH 2027 Annual Meeting