Subject: you're asked for input
From: Marty Schwartz (schwartz@ohio.edu)
Date: Tue Jan 04 2000 - 17:56:29 CST
Folks --
The ASC National Policy Committee (chaired by James Austin) has named my
old friend Henry Brownstein as a member specifically to represent the
Division on Critical Criminology. I have been asked by him to provide
information on what substantive areas might receive attention by this
committee, which had its origin in Janet Reno's challenge to criminologists
to provide useful policy advice to the government.
It should be noted, as Henry points out, that it isn't completely clear
what the committee should be doing, although they all seem to agree that
they should do something. It may well be that they should close shop and
go home, however, and some members of the committee recognize this.
Henry reports that was on the agenda in Toronto for possible actions were:
1. setting standards for ASC to use in assessing criminological
research that might have major policy implications;
2. recommending areas of research to major funding agencies in areas that
criminologists identify as having been neglected or in need of further
analysis;
3. identify ways for the ASC to establish its own evaluation capabilities; and
4. develop policy statements in areas where considerable research has been
done and consistent findings have been amassed.
If people have suggestions, I would be more than happy to hear them
personally or on the crit-l list, and compile a summary for Henry. Contact
me directly, at Schwartz@ohio.edu, or post to the list. Alternatively,
send messages directly to Henry at hbrownstein@ubmail.ubalt.edu. I think
that this would make a great list discussion item!
Although he has a nasty habit of always wearing a jacket and tie, Henry is
a critical criminologist who takes responsibilities such as this committee
very seriously. There are a number of good people on the committee, but
suggesting that it is "critical" would be stretching the word beyond any
recognition - that might be taken into consideration. A lengthy argument
on why NIJ should close down all research for a year except for that
informed by European postmodern philosophy might be interesting, but
probably it would not be worth the wear and tear on your fingertips on the
keyboard. (Although, by the way, the Australian government did award their
massive Fear of Crime contract to a postmodern research unit at Charles
Sturt University, by passing Melbourne, New South Wales, Sydney, etc.)
Marty
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