Hack_Right
Hack_Right aims to prevent reoffending among participants and to provide a framework in which they can develop their ICT talents legally.
Centre of Expertise Cyber Security
In the Netherlands, the police and the Public Prosecution Service developed Hack_Right as a unique intervention, serving as an alternative or supplementary criminal justice pathway for young cybercrime offenders. Participants are, among other things, connected with (cybersecurity) companies. To date, 14 Hack_Right pilot programmes have been completed.
Objective
The research aimed to evaluate the Hack_Right intervention and the programmes implemented to date through a plan and process evaluation. In total, 28 interviews were conducted with developers, referrers, implementers, and participants.
Findings
The results show that Hack_Right is an intervention still under development, with pilot programmes differing in content per participant. Improvements can be made by strengthening the programme’s foundation and enhancing programme integrity. While implementers are generally satisfied with the pilot processes, participants tend to be more critical of their experiences.
Target group
The research targeted organisations within the criminal justice chain, including the police, the Public Prosecution Service, probation services, and Halt, all of which are involved in the development and implementation of Hack_Right.
Collaboration
The Hack_Right project was carried out on behalf of the Police and Science programme of the Police Education Council, in collaboration with The Hague University of Applied Sciences and the NSCR.
Status
The research project was completed in 2021.