Policy Monitoring vs. Policy Evaluation Comparison
Team D: Aaron Sawyer, Paulette Banks, Buck Charley, Greg Bradley
CJA/385 Criminal Justice Policy Analysis & Program Evaluation
May 23, 2016
Professor: Dr. Duane Benton

Policy Monitoring vs. Policy Evaluation Comparison
Policy Monitoring Monitoring policies allows the gathering of factual information as to the causes and outcomes of criminal justice policies. For policy monitoring to be effective the information gathered must be relevant, reliable, and valid. Policy monitoring provides data on compliance, auditing, accounting, and outcomes of criminal justice policy. Policy monitoring further allows for the verification that policy goals and objectives are being met (Dunn, 2016, p. 245, 252). Policy monitoring allows for the analysis of how a policy is performing at different intervals throughout the implementation process. The monitoring process gives leadership measurements of the actual effects a policy is having towards the achievement of goals and objectives. Policy monitoring is a critical component in evaluating the policy process (Waterman, R. W., & Wood, B. D. (1993).
Policy Evaluation
The primary focus of policy evaluation is the facts and values derived through policy monitoring and implementation. While the facts can be developed through the statistical or qualitative measurements produced within the monitoring process, the evaluation process delves further into the true value through examining the impact of the policy on different areas. There are intended and unintended outcomes relating to any policy which is developed for application. The true weight of these outcomes, both intended and unintended, is only measured through the evaluation process given its focus on the qualitative value generated in its impact areas. The value of any policy can be derived from the effect it has on the wants, needs, interests and preferences of those subjected to its procedures. These measurement areas equate to the societal impact that the policy has when implemented on any scale (Dunn, 2012).
Policy Monitoring and Evaluation Comparison A central tool to managing accountability and improving practice revolves around two key components, monitoring and evaluating. Criminal justice agencies constantly conduct policy changes due to events that occur throughout any department. Policy monitoring creates a indication of policy effectiveness through measurement data. Monitoring a policy involves data collection and maintenance from programs that produce feedback reports. In comparison to monitoring, evaluation is normally the last step in the policy process (Aos, Miller, & Drake, 1994). Policy evaluation goes through a series of questioning of how the policy identified and implemented the desired effect and the possibility of modifications to produce efficiencies. For example, during an evaluation, data collected is in constant use from previous monitoring. In monitoring, emphasis is placed on results and processes that are derived from procedural implementation. These two overarching components of a policy constantly work together to form any type of adjustments needed for policy effectiveness and efficiency (Capturing Experience Monitoring and Evaluation, 1988).
Criminal Justice Policy Applicability
While both policy monitoring and policy evaluation present different benefits to criminal justice policy, policy monitoring presents the greatest value to criminal justice. Policy monitoring, with its focus on measurement rubrics aimed at successful and efficient policy implementation, gives the greatest benefit to criminal justice policy through detailed data production. With the data derived from policy monitoring policy makers can evaluate all of the intended and unintended impact areas of the policy being implemented.
Criminal justice policies govern a wide array of socially significant areas from the use of force to the administration of justice through the judicial system. With the in depth review presented through policy monitoring, adjustments and improvements can be made in policies already implemented to address pending social climate issues which may impact the intended target of the original policy. The ability to adjust as policy is being implemented allows policy monitoring to accomplish execution of objectives while allowing for flexibility in producing the greatest value to society.

References
Aos, S., Miller, M., & Drake, E. (1994, June). Policy Monitoring in Comparison to Policy Evaluation. Federal Sentencing Reporter, 19(4), 275-290.
Capturing Experience Monitoring and Evaluation. (1988). Retrieved from http://web.mit.edu/urbanupgrading/upgrading/issues-tools/tools/monitoring-eval.html
Dunn, W. N. (2012). Public policy analysis (5th ed.). New York, NY: Routledge.
Waterman, R. W., & Wood, B. D. (1993). Policy Monitoring and Policy Analysis.
Journal Of[sic] Policy Analysis & Management, 12(4), 685-699.