Enhancing Needs and Responsivity Assessment and Case Planning in Community Supervision

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Dr. Kristin Bechtel, principal scientist in RTI’s Center for Criminal Legal System Research, focuses on evaluating and building transparent policies and practices for policymakers, practitioners, and communities affected by the criminal legal system. Her goal is to produce actionable research on system impacts, costs, and benefits. Skilled in meta-analysis, cost-benefit analysis, and hierarchical linear modeling, she has conducted multiple evaluations and developed practitioner curricula. Currently, Dr. Bechtel serves as Co-PI on the Community Supervision Evaluation partnership project, and as a senior advisor on the Integrated Dynamic Risk Assessment for Community Supervision Needs Assessment Component project with the Georgia Department of Community Supervision.

Bria Cross, M.S. is the Strategic Planning & Analysis Research Specialist for the Georgia Department of Community Supervision. Ms. Cross is currently a Doctoral Candidate of Political Science and Policy at Clark Atlanta University. Ms. Cross primary research areas include public policy; community supervision; reentry; and theory. Ms. Cross studies how research informs strategy, practice, and policy within criminal justice agencies and bridging the gap between academia and practice. Ms. Cross is also an Adjunct Professor at Georgia State University and has published on several areas related to active shooter training, policing/judicial system in Canada, and cybersecurity.

Dr. Christopher Inkpen is a Senior Justice Researcher in RTI’s Division for Applied Justice Research. His research focuses on risk assessment and the quantitative evaluation of pretrial diversion and reentry programs using inferential and machine learning methods.

Dr. Jamie Newsome is a Senior Justice Researcher in the Corrections and Reentry Program in the Justice Practice Area at RTI International. Dr. Newsome’s primary areas of expertise include the use of evidence-based practices in corrections; program evaluation; and barriers to and facilitators of successful reentry. In addition to her research, Dr. Newsome also develops tools and products for use in corrections and provides technical assistance to support agencies throughout the United States as they work to expand and enhance their use of evidence-based practices.

Dr. Nick Powell is the Strategic Planning & Analysis Director for the Georgia Department of Community Supervision. Dr. Powell studies the social context within which crime occurs, and researches and formulates strategies to improve criminal justice outcomes while reducing negative legal system consequences. Dr. Powell is also an Adjunct Professor at Georgia State University and has published on the intersection of officer well-being and supervisees with mental illness.