We are eager to announce that Randy Haers will be defending his doctoral thesis in Criminological Sciences titled: ‘Van SAMEN werken naar impactvol werken: een actieonderzoek naar een evidence-based ketenaanpak van criminaliteit.'
This doctoral research examines the development of a multi-agency approach to addressing urban crime, through an in-depth case study of the Mechelen-based project SAMEN. Launched in 2020, the project responded to growing concerns among police and prosecutors about the inadequacy and delays in traditional criminal justice responses to local crime. SAMEN sought to provide a more timely, meaningful, and tailored reaction by integrating judicial interventions with pre-judicial prevention and exit strategies, particularly for young offenders.
Originally designed as a formative evaluation, the research evolved into an action research project. This methodology required close collaboration between researchers and practitioners to identify problems, co-develop solutions, and iteratively refine the intervention. The design process unfolded across four key cycles: (1) the consolidation of a shared vision focused on reducing recidivism among repeat offenders; (2) the development of a risk-informed triage model for offender selection; (3) the implementation of a multidisciplinary approach grounded in Risk-Need-Responsivity principles; and (4) the introduction of a dynamic risk management process based on structured risk formulation.
The resulting model offers an evidence-based, individualized approach to offenders, with swift identification of appropriate interventions tailored to the offender’s risk profile. Two target groups are distinguished: young adults (18–30) and transitional youth (16–18), with priority given to high-risk cases.
Beyond contributing to the intervention’s design, this study also critically examines the change process itself. First, it highlights the importance of a clearly defined, theoretically informed vision to structure multi-agency collaboration and align objectives—recognizing that projects centered on recidivism prevention require a fundamentally different orientation than those focused on victim support. Second, the research underscores the transformative potential of science-practice partnerships. Acting as embedded criminologists, the researchers helped foster trust, promote mutual learning, and co-produce actionable knowledge. Third, the findings stress the centrality of knowledge and learning processes, which must be deliberately cultivated through collaborative learning environments, training, and practice-based sessions. However, such knowledge remains vulnerable to staff turnover and insufficient institutionalization of learning structures. Finally, the research reveals how political and policy dynamics can both support and hinder implementation. The fragmented policy landscape — marked by differing views on criminal responsibility and legal frameworks — required ongoing negotiation between the project’s objectives and existing institutional contexts.
In conclusion, this study provides insight into the complexity and non-linear nature of developing a multidisciplinary crime response model. It demonstrates how action research can generate theoretically robust and practice-oriented solutions, and how shared vision, embedded collaboration, and sustained learning are essential to fostering effective and durable change in criminal justice interventions.
Following the defense, a reception will be held to celebrate Randy's achievement. Register here for the reception.
Location: I.2.01. (VUB Humanities, Science & Engineering Campus)