I bet you've been there. Life is good, work is good, you're sipping your coffee reading emails in the morning when a new research report comes across your desk saying you're doing it all wrong.
Suddenly you're wondering what to believe. Do you need to overhaul your program? What better alternative is there? Or, is this just going to be retracted in a year or two?
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Or maybe you get a stomachache just thinking about annual review time. Preparing charts and graphs for the commissioners to show what you've been doing with the tax dollars your agency receives sounds like a great idea, until you're trying to put together a story with messy and confusing data that never seems to quite align with your actual goals.
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You need research expertise. Someone who can translate research findings, sort through the data, answer the random questions that keep you up at night about your clients. Better yet, someone who can redesign your reports to better demonstrate your impact and find proven programs that will improve the lives of your clients and community. But you don't have the funds for a new full-time staff member.
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Enter Research on Retainer. We provide research expertise customized to your needs at a fraction of the cost of adding a research position.
Features of Research On Retainer
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High-level research skills
Led by Ann Leymon, PhD, with over 10 years of experience working in criminal justice research in applied settings, you'll have access to top tier skill and experience.
02
Customized to your needs
We'll meet at the beginning to create a plan customized to your goals and needs. Whether you want to focus on analysis, data communication support, research interpretation, or something else, we listen and figure out the best way to support you. Because we'll work together for at least six months, I'll develop a deep understanding of your organization and your research needs and fine tune how I support you.
03
Flexible and Adaptable
Life moves quickly, and sometimes there are big changes in the criminal justice system (or the world!) that demand a pivot. With Research on Retainer, it's easy to change the plan and keep up with the times.
We'll touch base once a month at a minimum to review your needs and our progress. We'll quickly change course if needed so you're getting the most out of our time together.
Imagine the possiblities
Imagine reviewing data that actually reflects your goals and demonstrates the value of the work you're doing.
Imagine looking forward to annual review time, knowing you'll easily be able to make a sensible story out of last year's data.
Imagine working with staff who are comfortable helping with data and who value the ways it can help them in their job. ​
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We'll work towards this vision together. We'll smooth the rough patches so instead of fighting with the world of data, you are peacefully using the best research tools to elevate your impact on your clients and your community.
Research on Retainer
The specifics that work around your needs
Simple Structure
10 Hours Per Month
First, we'll make a plan for how to us 10 expert hours per month for the research and data tasks you most need.
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Each month you'll receive a report on the number of hours remaining and the plan for the next month or so. Usually, any unused hours will be banked for future use.
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Your hours can be used for any research and data needs. Some ideas are listed below:
explore the possibilities
Data Analysis and Consulting
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Questions about your clients? Maybe you've noticed a trend related to revocation rates and crime type, or you're wondering whether your younger clients are successful after a recent change in strategy. I'll use your data to answer these questions.
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Big picture questions about your data? I can help you see the possibilities, the limits, and the changes you could make to refine your data processes.
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Do you want to know how you compare to the rest of the state? I'll find the areas where you lead and the areas where you might lag.
Research Interpretation
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Have you ever read a report that left you unsure about how the conclusions applied to you? I can tell you exactly what it means and give advice grounded in research as well as a deep understanding of your local context.
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Do you need to know more about a specific subject? Maybe you're considering adding a new program for sex offenders and you'd like to incorporate the best evidence into your decision. I'll let you know what the research says and what exactly it means for you and your agency.
Data Communication
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How well do your reports use data to demonstrate your impact? I'll review yours and create a new template you can use for years, including data visualizations for maximum effect.
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Are you planning a large research project? I'll draft the scope of work so you'll get the most accurate bids and the researchers can hit the ground running.
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Do you include data in presentations to your team or to your superiors? I'll help you refine how you convey messages about data.
Staff Trainings
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Have you noticed that your staff can use a refresher on all things data? To maximize the whole team's operations, I can do trainings on:
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data entry for frontline staff
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data analysis for data users
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interpretation and use of data for the whole team
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Let's get started.
Together we can use data to improve the criminal justice system. We can reduce recidivism, find the best programs that can help people change their lives, make the system better to work in, and make our community safer. I believe that with more research support, our criminal justice leaders will make an even better impact.
Get in Touch
5441 SW Macadam Ave, Suite A
Portland, OR 97239
