Assessment and evaluation can be important tools in improving the effectiveness and quality of programs, especially criminal justice programs, if they are integrated into the plans and designs of strategies instead of being added later. An evaluation systems approach to program development is needed to ensure that effectiveness and efficiency are maintained and that progress on program objectives is communicated to policy makers, managers, and the public. There are four criteria that define an effectively managed program: (1) acceptable description of goals and objectives; (2) linkage between program activities and objectives; (3) performance information; and (4) acceptable performance. An analytical model is suggested that demonstrates the linear progress of evaluation and performance data from program goals to specific activities, through performance measurement, to analysis and interpretation of the results and necessary corrective actions. Evaluation is an important program development tool, not an isolated event that can be performed once and then forgotten. Three appendixes contain charts about evaluation systems and models. (SLD)