Initiative for Effective US Crime Policy (IECP)
The Initiative for Effective US Crime Policy (IECP) by Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab funds rigorous research to evaluate and improve fairness and effectiveness in US crime policy using randomized trials.
Funder: Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab
Due Dates: January 12, 2027 | June 8, 2027
Funding Amounts: Travel/development: up to $5,000 | Pilot: up to $50,000 (max 3 years) | Full: typically $150,000–$250,000 (max $400,000, up to 3 years)
Summary: Supports randomized evaluations and research to improve the fairness and effectiveness of US crime policy, with a focus on evidence-based strategies and reducing systemic inequities.
Description
The Initiative for Effective US Crime Policy (IECP) at J-PAL North America funds research that rigorously evaluates strategies to make the US criminal legal system fairer, more effective, and more equitable. The program emphasizes randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess interventions across the criminal justice continuum, including crime prevention, policing, prosecution, adjudication, sentencing, reentry, and social support. Proposals are encouraged that address racial equity, reduce discrimination, and generate actionable evidence for policy and practice. Projects may originate within or outside the formal legal system and should focus on outcomes related to actual criminal behavior, engagement with the legal system, or exposure to crime or violence.
