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Conducting Research at DOC

Conducting Research with DOC

The Office of Research, Data, and Decision Support (RDDS) coordinates the Department’s Research Committee (RC), which supports planning, program development, evaluation, and research initiatives across the Department of Corrections.

A Research Review Committee (RRC), made up of key department leaders, evaluates research proposals and provides recommendations. Final decisions are issued by the RRC Chair.

Submitting a Proposal

If you are interested in conducting research with DOC, including research involving Adults in Custody (AIC), staff, or community corrections populations, please review all required policies and follow the steps below.

Before You Begin

Be sure to review all required policies and guidelines prior to submitting your proposal to avoid delays.

Submission Reminder

Completed applications and required attachments must be submitted to the email address listed in the application.

Review Process

The Research Committee meets regularly to evaluate proposals, assess impacts, and determine approval. Projects must also be approved by relevant leadership within DOC.

All research requires initial screening and review before being considered for sponsorship.

Important Requirement

Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval is required before any research activity or data collection begins.

Researchers must comply with all federal regulations, including:

Additional approvals may be required for facility access, including background checks and credential verification.

Timeline Expectation

Research proposals typically require a minimum of three months for administrative review before any data collection can begin.

Please plan accordingly, as review timelines may vary depending on the scope and complexity of the project.

ODOC Research Committee Submission & Review Dates
Submission DeadlineCommittee Review Date
February 28, 2025March 26, 2025
April 30, 2025May 28, 2025
June 30, 2025July 30, 2025