Initiative for Effective US Crime Policy (IECP)
J-PAL North America's IECP funds randomized evaluations and pilot studies to advance fairness, effectiveness, and evidence-based reforms in the US criminal legal system, with a focus on equity and actionable policy impact.
Funder: Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab
Due Dates (Anticipated): January 2027 | June 2027
Funding Amounts: Full projects: up to $400,000 (typically $150,000–$250,000, max 3 years) | Pilots: up to $50,000 (max 3 years) | Travel/development: up to $5,000
Summary: Funds randomized evaluations and pilot studies to improve fairness and effectiveness in the US criminal legal system, emphasizing actionable policy evidence.
Key Information: Eligibility limited to J-PAL affiliates, invited researchers, or PhD students advised by one; proposals must focus on randomized evaluations in the US.
Description
The Initiative for Effective US Crime Policy (IECP), managed by J-PAL North America, supports rigorous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and pilot studies that aim to make the US criminal legal system more effective, equitable, and evidence-driven. The initiative targets pressing issues such as crime prevention, policing, adjudication, sentencing, reentry, and social support, with a particular emphasis on reducing discrimination and addressing systemic inequities. Projects funded by IECP are expected to generate actionable evidence that can inform policy, improve outcomes for marginalized populations, and advance racial equity within the legal system. The program encourages partnerships between researchers and practitioners to ensure research is both relevant and impactful.
