HKS Government Performance Lab

Read the full findings here: govlab.hks.harvard.edu/insight/examin…

How are community responder teams performing across the country? Our analysis of nine programs across the country suggests that unarmed, interdisciplinary CRTs can safely and effectively handle select 911 calls. Here’s what we found: 🔽

Listen: In this podcast, Jamie Rubin talks with Gloria Gong, executive director of @HKSGovLab, to discuss what it takes for governments to move beyond process and deliver outcomes that actually matter to residents. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gov…

How can alternative response leaders build data systems that support day-to-day operations and long-term impact? Join us on March 19 at 1:30 p.m. ET to hear how Durham’s Community Safety Department answered this question. Register here: harvard.zoom.us/meeting/regist…

What does it take to launch an alternative response program in your city—even with limited resources? See what Durham’s Community Safety Director, Ryan Smith, had to say here: govlab.hks.harvard.edu/events/establi…

Is your jurisdiction exploring an alternative 911 response model? Join us on February 19 at 1:30 p.m. ET to here how Durham’s Community Safety Department built one of the largest alternative response programs in the country. Register here: harvard.zoom.us/meeting/regist…

What can leaders do when traditional crime stats don’t tell the whole story? Local leaders share the tools they are using to measure residents’ sense of safety in our latest report. Learn more: govlab.hks.harvard.edu/insight/beyond…

Come join the GPL as a Government Innovation fellow! Applications due by February 22, 2026 at 11:59 pm ET. Learn more here: lnkd.in/eJ2T2YW7

How do you build and sustain a skilled, resilient alternative 911 response team? We spoke with leaders from Durham to learn how they hire, train, retain, and build a strong team culture for their HEART program. Read more: bit.ly/4i3Hx2c

Learn more and apply here: tinyurl.com/hiring-gpl

1⃣Director of Strategic Operations: Work with our Executive Director in a Chief-of-Staff-style role, turning strategy into systems that power impact. 2⃣Government Innovation Fellows: Work with state leaders to design & test new ways to deliver social services more effectively.

🚨 We’re hiring at the Government Performance Lab!

How did Durham divert more than 13,500 911 calls away from police in 2024? See how Durham's Community Safety Department solved this challenge by fully integrating with the city’s 911 and get practical tips for your city. Read more: bit.ly/47wbc0q

Want practical tips for building a data-driven alternative response program? Our new publication breaks down Durham’s approach to data infrastructure, including public dashboards, internal learning cycles, and improving program outcomes. Read more: govlab.hks.harvard.edu/insight/levera…

What happens when pretrial leaders harness the power of data to drive better outcomes? In collaboration with @NAPSA1973, the GPL is hosting a training series for 16 jurisdictions to help them do exactly that. Learn more about our pretrial work: govlab.hks.harvard.edu/focus-area/pre…

How can jurisdictions structure and sustain alternative emergency response? In our latest publication, we profile the City of Durham’s Community Safety Department, home to one of the nation’s largest alternative response programs. Read more: govlab.hks.harvard.edu/insight/establ…

Pretrial agency leaders: Want to make an impact with your data? Check out our latest guide for actionable strategies to communicate program outcomes and trends more effectively with judges. Read the publication: govlab.hks.harvard.edu/insight/commun…

Need some help increasing enrollment in your programs? Here are 22 tips to make your voluntary services more appealing to families. tinyurl.com/mrzzhfda

JOB ALERT: Our Children & Families team is hiring a Fellow to improve child and family wellbeing and accelerate the uptake of high-impact solutions by government leaders across the country. Apply: govlab.hks.harvard.edu/working-at-gpl

Are you a child welfare agency leader trying to strengthen kin placements? Learn how to identify trends and potential solutions through a structured case review. Get our newest tool w/ downloadable worksheets here: tinyurl.com/4curr9cb