LOCAL GOVERNANCE • FUNDING • PUBLIC SAFETY
Local Governance & Public Safety
Examining how municipal institutions and dedicated funding mechanisms shape crime prevention, policing, and the delivery of public-safety services.
FEATURED RESEARCH
The Effects of Crime Control and Prevention Districts on Criminal Justice Outcomes: Evidence from Texas Municipalities
Led by Dr. Jie Tao, this project examines how Crime Control and Prevention Districts affect crime and criminal justice outcomes in Texas municipalities. It anchors the Institute’s Local Governance & Public Safety research initiative.
Municipal Institutions
Examining the role of local government institutions in crime prevention, policing and public-safety service delivery.
Dedicated Funding
Studying how dedicated funding mechanisms relate to criminal justice outcomes across Texas municipalities.
Research Support
The Russell Sage Foundation grant is expected to support two graduate research assistants once the award is finalized.
RESEARCH LEAD
Dr. Jie Tao
Assistant Professor of Public Administration
Tarleton State University
Dr. Tao studies local government management and innovation, with a focus on how municipal institutions, funding arrangements and emerging technologies shape public service delivery and performance. His current work examines the effects of Crime Control and Prevention Districts on crime and criminal justice outcomes.
He also studies local governments’ adoption of artificial intelligence and its effects on citizens and public employees. He uses causal inference and spatial analysis to evaluate government innovations and policy outcomes.
RESEARCH FOR PRACTICE
A Practitioner White Paper on Crime Control and Prevention Districts
Dr. Tao is developing a practitioner-oriented white paper for police chiefs and public managers considering the creation or operation of a Crime Control and Prevention District.
The completed draft will be submitted for review and consideration as an Institute resource. Publication plans will be determined following review.
GRADUATE RESEARCH
Student Participation in the Research Team
Two graduate research assistants are planned for the project. Once the award is finalized and the assistants are hired, they will join the initiative’s research team as student members.
Primary Responsibilities
Assistants will coordinate and track a substantial number of open-records requests in support of the research.
Relevant Skills
Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational and record-management skills will be particularly valuable for this work.
Recommendations of potential graduate research assistants are welcome. Contact the Institute to discuss a potential candidate.
Connect With the Institute
Contact the Institute about the Local Governance & Public Safety initiative, practitioner resources or graduate research participation.