Mission
The Criminal Justice Research Institute mission statement reflects HRS § 614-2, which establishes CJRI and outlines its’ responsibilities for the state of Hawai`i. Our mission is to examine all aspects of the criminal justice system for the purpose of assisting the state with a comprehensive approach to using data and research to improve outcomes related to safety, justice, and equity in the state of Hawai’i.
HRS § 614-2
“a) There is established within the office of the chief justice a criminal justice research institute dedicated to examining all aspects of the criminal justice system, for the purpose of assisting the State in understanding the system in a more comprehensive way and ensuring the protection of individual rights, increasing efficiencies, and controlling costs. The institute shall have the authority to examine all areas of the criminal justice system, including police, prosecutors, defense counsel, courts, pretrial services, probation and parole, jails, and prisons, as well as examine the manner in which related areas, including mental health services and drug treatment services, intersect with the criminal justice system.”
Values
The Criminal Justice Research Institute staff adhere to values integral to conducting responsible and ethical research that is dedicated to analyzing data to improve the criminal justice system for the state of Hawai`i. CJRI staff will conduct research and serve the state by pursuing:
- Independent and neutral analyses that will improve the criminal justice system as a whole, and not favor one agency or perspective.
- Fairness and equity in establishing a research agenda.
- Transparent communication in the methods, goals, and limitations of the research undertaken.
- Collaborative partnerships with agencies, stakeholders, and the community to ensure broad perspectives are included.
- Impactful work providing policymakers, decision-makers, and the public with information to enact meaningful change.
- Ethical and respectful methods to study individuals involved or working in the criminal justice system.
- Responsible and trustworthy stewardship of public resources and data provided by agencies and organizations.