Criminal Justice Management
Theory and Practice in Justice-Centered Organizations

Third Edition

Mary K. Stohr - Washington State University, USA
Nicholas P. Lovrich - Washington State University, USA

Courses:
Administration & Management | Introduction to Criminal Justice | Nonprofit Management

January 2026 | 344 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc

Now published by Sage

All career paths in Criminal Justice demand a solid understanding of organizational management. Criminal Justice Management: Theory & Practice in Justice-Centered Organizations bridges the gap between theory and practice, guiding students through the complexities of managing within the criminal justice field. Authors Mary K. Stohr and Nicholas P. Lovrich present accessible insights into emerging research, highlighting the critical value of people within organizations. This is brought to life through examples, research stories, and real-world experiences from leaders in the field. With a unique emphasis on staff/client interaction, the book tackles trauma and emotional labor, equipping students with practical tools to adopt a trauma-informed approach and prioritize self-care in their careers. The updated Third Edition features the latest evidence-based information, expanded insights into trauma and emotional labor, recent research in criminal justice fields, and an in-depth look at the #MeToo and Black Lives Matter movements.

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ISBN: 9781071926512	Paperback	Suggested Retail Price: $217.00	Bookstore Price: $173.60
ISBN: 9781071926536	Electronic Version	Suggested Retail Price: $123.00	Bookstore Price: $98.40

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Foreword

Preface

About the Authors

Chapter 1: Criminal Justice Management: The Big, the Bad, and the Beautiful

Introduction

Scope and Purpose of the Book: The Evidence-Based Practices Route

Fundamental Concepts in Core Criminal Justice Agencies: Police, Courts, and Corrections

Conclusions

Discussion Questions

Key Terms

Web Link

Cases Cited

References

Chapter 2: Surveying the Landscape of Criminal Justice Management

Introduction

Key Terms and Concepts

Open and Closed Organizations

Competing Values of Government Operation

Government Service Is Different

Conclusions

Discussion Questions

Web Links

Key Terms

References

Chapter 3: Managing Ethical Challenges With Best Practice Solutions

Introduction

Public Distrust

Deviance Explained

Two Insidious Types of Abuse

Ethics Defined and Discussed

A Warning Sign: Too Much Focus on Ends Over Means

The “Ethics” Remedy to Minimize Abuse, Deviance, Corruption, and Harassment

Conclusions

Exercise: The Student’s Ethics Quiz

Discussion Questions

Key Terms

Notes

Appendix: The Ethics Instrument Version for Jails

References

Chapter 4: The Administrative State and Management Theories in Perspective

Introduction

The Administrative State

Management Theories

Insights From the Field of Behavioral Economics

Motivating the Creative Class

Conclusions

Exercise: Taylor’s Pig Iron Story

Discussion Questions

Key Terms

Note

References

Chapter 5: Communications: What You Say and Do Is What They Think You Mean

Introduction

The Purpose and Modes of Communication

Communication Within and Across Organizational Boundaries and Complaints

Barriers to Effective Communication

Improving Communications

Other Solutions: Grievance Procedures and Whistleblowing Programs

Technology, Inside and Outside Research and Organization Change

Procedural Justice in the Courts

How Trauma-Informed, Workplace Wellness, and Self-Care Messages Apply to Criminal Justice Agencies

How Emotional Intelligence Can Improve Communications

Conclusions

Exercise: The Space Invader

Discussion Questions

Web Links

Key Terms

References

Chapter 6: Socialization, Roles, and Power Issues

Introduction

Socialization

The Criminal Justice Role

Power and Authority

Conclusions

Exercise: The Role: Ordering People About

Discussion Questions

Key Terms

Appendix

Note

References

Chapter 7: Leadership and Criminal Justice Organizations

Introduction

Leadership Defined

Leadership Theories

Change and Maintenance Leadership and Leadership Styles

The Responsibilities of Leadership

Teaming as a Means of Sharing Group Leadership Responsibilities

The Role of Emotions in Leadership

The Relative Job Satisfaction and Self-Perceived Status of Criminal Justice Leaders/Managers and Supervisors

Criminal Justice Leaders: Success, Failure, and the Dangers of Groupthink

Conclusions

Exercise: The American (leadership) Idols

Discussion Questions

Key Terms

Note

References

Chapter 8: Personnel Processes and Practices

Introduction

Selection

Typical Selection Practices

Selection From the Applicant’s Perspective

On the Job, the Selection Process Continues

Training

Performance Appraisals

Retention Strategies

Conclusions

Exercise: Job Design

Discussion Questions

Key Terms

References

Chapter 9: Selection Issues: Workforce for the 21st Century, Diversity, and Affirmative Action

Introduction

Workforce 2000 and 21st Century Work

Selection Processes: Who Wants to Work in Criminal Justice?

Qualifications

Civil Rights Legislation

Intentional Discrimination

Conclusions

Exercise: Tracking Criminal Justice Employment

Discussion Questions

Key Terms

Cases Cited and Laws/Statutes

Note

References

Chapter 10: Reaching Beyond the Expected:

Introduction

Implementation and Its Challenges

Treatment Programming

Use of Force

Standards and Accreditation

Conclusions

Exercise: Take an Informal Poll

Discussion Questions

Key Terms

Notes

References

Chapter 11: Strategic Planning and Budgeting

Introduction

Strategic Planning: Definition, Benefits, and the Difficulties of Implementation

What Is a Budget?

Recent History of Budgeting and Planning

Budget Strategies

Conclusions

Exercise: Develop a Criminal Justice Budget

Discussion Questions

Key Terms

References

Chapter 12: Decision Making and Prediction

Introduction

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions: What They Are and Who Makes Them (the decision makers)

Obstacles to Good Decision Making: Let Us Count the Ways

Logical Fallacies

Biology and Cognition (social intelligence): A Possible Undue Influence

The Effect of Trauma on Decision Making and the Benefits of Self-Care

Prediction

Ways to Improve Decision Making

Conclusions

Exercise: The False Argument

Discussion Questions

Key Terms

References

Chapter 13: Model Management Practices

Introduction

Salvation Through Consilience

Communication, Leadership, and Culture Change

It Is the People and Their Goals That Matter

Conclusions

Discussion Questions

Key Terms

References

This textbook was a refreshing take on covering criminal justice administration material. It is a good blend of research and practical material that many other texts are missing.

Dr. Paul “PK” Klenowski

PennWest University-California Campus

The author brings experience and knowledge which is imparted in a simple to understand, yet rich in depth and breadth of the topical information. The text provides a solid base for any instructor to use a guide in fostering discussions, encouraging further research as well analysis by students, along with good discussion questions in each chapter.

Dr. Jeffrey Schwartz

Associate Teaching Professor, Rowan University

Key features

NEW TO THIS EDITION:

Inclusion of the most up-to-date, evidence-based information available as of 2025 in policing, corrections, and court administration.
Expanded understanding of emotional labor, secondary trauma, and insights into trauma exposure, including its impact on recruitment, training, promotion, supervision, management, and employee development.
In-depth exploration of the #MeToo and Black Lives Matter movements, examining the ethical shortcomings they revealed and their implications for criminal justice agencies.

KEY FEATURES:

Bridges the gap between theory and practice in criminal justice management.
Emphasizes ethical standards, organizational management, and collaborative staff/client interactions.
Integrates real-world examples, research stories, and firsthand experiences from leaders in the field.
Focuses on trauma-informed management and emotional labor, providing tools for self-care and effective supervision.
Designed to foster student engagement and critical thinking about justice-centered organizations.

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Criminal Justice Management
Theory and Practice in Justice-Centered Organizations

Sage College Publishing