What does the principle of cost-effectiveness imply regarding evidence-based justice efforts?

The principle of cost-effectiveness in the context of evidence-based justice efforts highlights the importance of evaluating both the efficiency and effectiveness of programs. This means that when assessing a program, stakeholders should consider not only whether the program achieves its intended outcomes—effectiveness—but also how efficiently it uses resources in achieving those outcomes.

By weighing efficiency alongside effectiveness, decision-makers can determine whether a program delivers a good return on investment and whether it can be scaled or replicated in other contexts effectively. This approach ensures that limited resources are allocated to programs that not only produce positive results but do so in a manner that justifies the costs involved. Therefore, the emphasis is placed on the dual importance of achieving desired results while utilizing resources judiciously, which aligns with the goals of optimizing public safety outcomes and fiscal responsibility.