Understanding the Needs of Victims of Criminal Justice System-Related Harms

This study focuses on identifying the types of criminal justice harms via error and failure that can occur across multiple sectors of the criminal justice system (policing, courts, and corrections), and the groups of people who may be most at-risk for experiencing these harms. In the summer of 2024, we conducted a series of semi-structured interviews with 20 participants, including research experts, criminal justice system employees, formerly justice involved individuals, and victim advocates/service providers. Based on our interview data and prior research, we developed a typology of individuals most at risk for experiencing harm and/or errors in the criminal justice system. Implications for future research and policy are discussed.