Both theoretical and empirical research suggest that the explicit communication of rules and the consequences of adhering to or breaking those rules - including the certainty that sanctions will be applied - shows promise in reducing criminal behavior among probationers and parolees. ^[1]   The Boston Gun Project's "pulling levers" strategy is a clear example of the value of communicating expectations and their implications to people with criminal records and at-risk youth. After this partnership implemented a strategy to deter gang violence that involved communicating expectations and planned responses clearly, responding as they had promised, and reaffirming those expectations again, youth homicide in the city of Boston fell by two-thirds. ^[2]   An evaluation of the Washington, DC Drug Court intervention found that the "contingency contract" agreed to at the beginning of the program by both the participants and the judges gave participants a clear sense of expectations, which participants considered important. ^[3]   The evaluation also found that drug use among program participants was reduced. ^[4]