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Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the operations research in the public sector. Operations research is a scientific approach to decision making. It is concerned with scientifically deciding how to design and operate systems, usually under conditions requiring the allocation of scarce resources. The proper use of the operational research approach reduces the area of hunch to an absolute minimum, showing where judgment is needed and where it is unnecessary. The chapter describes the application of mathematical and statistical models to a variety of public sector issues, problems, and systems. The revolution that has been effecting all sciences—the existence of high powered desktop mini- and micro-computers, and the consequent availability of data, computational power and communications—has had an immense impact on the practice of operations research, particularly in the public sector. The availability of user-friendly software at every public official's desk makes it possible to use mathematical models, in all varieties of problem areas, without a need for consultants, analysts or experts.

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the applications of operations research and management science (OR/MS) to problems of crime and justice. The chapter describes how OR/MS has been used in studying crime and criminal justice. The correctional system has several goals: deterrence, education, retribution, rehabilitation, and incapacitation. The models relating to incapacitation are explored. The recidivism of an offender, his/her continuing to commit crimes, is a crucial factor in criminal career research. Deterrence is the reduction in criminal activity by the general public attributable to a given intervention. It is not associated with specific individuals, so it cannot be measured by tracing offenders' careers. Another area of importance to prison administrators is the projection of future populations of offenders. Operations research has also been used to study crime and how the police react to it. Problems related to juries investigated using operations research include the elimination of intentional bias in empaneling juries; considerations related to increasing bias in a jury by using peremptory challenges; and studies relating to the reduction of juror waiting time and the cost of empaneling juries. The systematic, quantitative thinking exemplified by these approaches to problem-solving has been very effective in helping to improve the administration of criminal justice.