Douglas Yearwood Awards

Awards are presented in two categories:

• Statistical/Management Report
• Research/Policy Analysis Report

Two awards are given in each category based on SAC staff size: Small SACs, with fewer than five full-time staff members, and Large SACs, with five or more full-time staff members.

History of the Awards

These awards were first established in 1986 as the Phillip Hoke Awards, honoring the first director of the Louisiana SAC and one of JRSA’s founders. In 2012, the awards were renamed the Douglas Yearwood National Publication Awards in memory of Douglas Yearwood, the longtime director of the North Carolina SAC and a former JRSA president.

Doug made lasting contributions to the SAC community through his leadership, collegiality, and unwavering commitment to supporting his peers. He became director of the North Carolina SAC in 1998 and served JRSA in numerous leadership roles, including every office on its Executive Committee and the position of president. He also served on several committees and was always willing to share his expertise and assist fellow SACs. Under his leadership, the North Carolina SAC became a model for the important role these centers can play in state government.

Douglas Yearwood: A Legacy of Service and Scholarship

Before becoming SAC director, Doug worked as an information systems planner and social research associate with the Governor’s Crime Commission. He also held research positions with the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. He earned advanced certification as a law enforcement planner through the International Association of Law Enforcement Planners.

In addition to his SAC-related publications, Doug authored several articles and book reviews and co-authored Effective Program Practices for At-Risk Youth: A Continuum of Community-Based Programs. He earned a B.S. in Criminal Justice and a B.A. in Psychology from North Carolina Wesleyan College, as well as an M.S. in Criminal Justice from North Carolina Central University.

Doug is remembered as a valued friend, colleague, and leader whose generosity and dedication strengthened the SAC community. The awards bearing his name honor not only his contributions but also the enduring value of rigorous research, thoughtful analysis, and the sharing of knowledge to improve criminal justice policy and practice.

2026 Award Winners

Statistical/Management

Reports in this category present statistical data that identify and describe one or more justice-related issues. This type of report usually includes tables and graphs, with some text that explains and summarizes the data depicted.

Research/Policy Analysis

Reports in this category pose one or more specific research or evaluation questions and typically employ a specific research design to address the issues raised. They usually involve the collection and analysis of data (either quantitative or qualitative), summarize findings, and offer conclusions and recommendations

Large SAC Category

Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, Research & Analysis Unit

view previous award winners