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    Research Findings

    The DOC conducts first-rate research that provides evidence on which to improve correctional policy and practice.

    Since 2010, Minnesota DOC research staff have produced more than 75 research studies and program evaluations that have been published in peer-reviewed academic journals. These publications have appeared in some of the leading journals in the field, including:

    • Criminology
    • Criminology & Public Policy
    • Criminal Justice and Behavior
    • Justice Quarterly

    Forming Minnesota’s own “What Works” literature, this body of research has helped reveal what’s effective (and what isn’t) for the state’s correctional population. DOC research has covered a wide array of topics, including:

    • Cognitive-Behavioral, Domestic Violence, Education, Employment, Faith-Based and Reentry Programming
    • Sex Offense and Substance Use Disorder Treatment
    • Prison Labor
    • In-person and video visitation
    • Risk-Needs-Responsivity assessments
    • Restrictive Housing
    • Violence and misconduct in prison
    • Intensive Supervised Release

    DOC research has been featured in a variety of media, including:

    • British Broadcasting Corporation
    • Corrections Today
    • Justice Trends
    • London School of Economics American Politics and Policy Blog

    In recognition of their work, DOC researchers have received the following awards:

    • The 2013 Academy of Criminal Justice Science’s Donal MacNamara Award for Outstanding Journal Publication
    • The 2014 American Society of Criminology’s Practitioner Research Award
    • The 2018 Justice Research and Statistics Association’s Douglas Yearwood Award
    • The 2019 Corrections: Policy, Practice and Research Article of the Year
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