Applied Behavior Analysis for Criminal Justice Practice

In this article, the seven dimensions of applied behavior analysis are related to criminal justice practice. Each of the dimensions is described and examined, and is illustrated by published behavioral literature on crime and delinquency. In addition, three general assumptions of applied behavior analysis are presented: (1) good practice should be good research; (2) behavioral goals, procedures, and effects should be socially validated; and (3) a systems perspective should be adopted when focusing on behavior analysis and intervention. The development of a behavior analysis approach to criminal justice— that is, a behavioral criminal justice—is viewed as an effective, efficient, and humane addition to current problem-solving practices.