The future of fair, accountable, and effective prosecution lies in a surprising place: better data and way better decision-making.
A white paper from Fair and Just Prosecution (FJP), “Advancing the Use of Data in Prosecution: What We Measure Matters” highlights why reform-minded prosecutors must invest in meaningful data collection and analysis to transform the criminal legal system.
Why Data Matters for Justice
Historically, prosecutors’ offices collected minimal information, often focusing only on conviction rates, case volume, and how quickly they closed files. The problem is these outdated metrics weren’t at all data-driven (there goes another Monty Python Witch conundrum, again).
Instead, antiquated metrics collection directly fuels mass incarceration and ignores crucial questions like:
- Was justice truly served?
- What does served justice actually look like?
- Is serving that justice causing more harm than necessary?
- Were racial disparities reduced?
- Were victims’ needs addressed?
Today’s reform-minded prosecutors recognize that to drive real change, they must examine and consider the outcomes that actually matter like diversion program success, racial equity, and public trust.
Ramsey County Attorney John Choi clearly gets it and puts it quite simply:
“Data can really start and generate conversation.”
The Challenges Prosecutors Face
Despite good intentions, many prosecutors’ offices struggle to build strong data systems.
According to FJP’s report:
- Most offices collect some data, but only about 40% gather comprehensive information across key decision points.
- Resource constraints limit the ability to hire analysts, build infrastructure, or maintain data accuracy.
- Culture and leadership shape whether offices prioritize meaningful metrics or stick to traditional, flawed benchmarks.
Even large or well-funded offices sometimes lack standardized systems to track outcomes consistently.
What Better Data Can Achieve
Investing in data capacity offers prosecutors a powerful toolkit:
- Track equity outcomes (Are racial disparities shrinking?)
- Monitor compliance (Are line prosecutors following new diversion or declination policies?)
- Measure community impact (Are alternative programs reducing harm?)
- Hold themselves accountable to the public they serve.
With better data, offices can align daily decision-making with the broader vision voters endorsed at the ballot box, creating lasting change from within.
Recommendations for Reform
The FJP white paper outlines several key steps for prosecutors looking to build smarter, more just offices:
- Prioritize balanced metrics beyond convictions, meaning we measure fairness, community satisfaction, and rehabilitative success.
- Invest in staffing and this must include data analysts, researchers, and tech experts. It’s no longer a nice to have; it’s critical.
- Partner with outside organizations like universities for technical support.
- Standardize systems to improve data quality across offices.
- Use data publicly sharing outcomes will hands down build public trust and transparency.
Measure What Matters
Real reform doesn’t happen without putting in the work. And it starts with evidence, accountability, and measurable progress.
By committing to better data practices, prosecutors’ offices can stop talking about change and take steps to prove it.
Because in the end, what we measure truly matters.
