Simulation modeling of the criminal justice system and process
Haig E. Bohigian · NCSU Libraries Repository (North Carolina State University Libraries) · 1977
The purpose of this paper is to provide a primer for criminal justice professionals and a resource for computer scientists on simulation modeling as it has been and can be applied to the criminal justice system and process (CJSAP). Simulation will be defined, as well as classified on analogdigital, abstract-concrete, and deterministic-probabilistic continuums. Ten conditions necessary for the criminal justice professional to seek a simulation modeling solution are spelled out, along with six conditions necessary for the effectiveness of simulation modeling. Some pitfalls of modeling in the CJSAP are discussed along with a caution about four types of criminal justice professionals that simulation scientists might encounter. A brief historical sketch of simulation is presented in a general context and to the CJSAP in particular.Successful simulation models that have been developed in the areas of overall criminal justice planning, police patrols, court management, juror management, corrections, parole/probation, juvenile deliquency, felony investigations, police communications, prosecution, and offender tracking are identified and described. An extensive list of 126 references is provided. The paper identifies areas within the CJSAP that still have not received attention from simulation modelers or for which there is a paucity of models.