The aim of the Criminology Research Unit (CRU) is to foster criminology in Tasmania as a field of study, research, evaluation and policy development. In doing so, collaborating with local communities and stakeholders is essential. The CRU was established in 2000, and it operates within the School of Sociology & Social Work at the University of Tasmania. The CRU offers research and consultancies undertaken by professionals with diverse interests and broad skills sets. For example, current areas of expertise within the Unit include:
The Unit periodically releases scoping papers, briefing papers and evaluation reports, including both qualitative and quantitative analysis. Anyone interested in discussing prospective research or consultancies should contact the CRU director, Rob White:
Professor Rob White
Director - Criminology Research Unit
School of Sociology & Social Work
University of Tasmania
Private Bag 17
HOBART TAS 7001
Tel: +61 3 6226 2877
Email: R.D.White@utas.edu.au
Evaluation involves systematic assessment of the processes and outcomes of a particular project, program or strategy. It can refer to how agencies perform or to impacts on the wider community or environment. Evaluation and strategic planning are intended to enhance performance in positive and constructive directions.
Briefing papers consist of relevant literature reviews and discussion of current issues of significance, being concise, though comprehensive, overviews that draw upon contemporary research and scholarship. Briefing papers are 3000-6000 words in length.
Scoping papers provide an in-depth analysis of a particular area of research or practice, including extended discussion of current practices and strategies, discussion of evolving trends, and key models and questions pertaining to the issue in question. Scoping papers are more than 6000 words in length, and are published in the CRU Occasional Paper series.