A Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) is a collaborative body composed of key stakeholders in the criminal legal system, such as law enforcement agencies, courts, correctional institutions, prosecutors, defense attorneys, victim advocacy groups, and other relevant parties.
The purpose of a CJCC is to improve communication, coordination, and cooperation among different organizations in the criminal legal system. This can help to enhance public safety, reduce crime and recidivism, and improve the fairness and efficiency of the criminal legal process.
CJCCs typically work to identify and address systemic issues and challenges in the criminal legal system, such as gaps in services or resources, data sharing and analysis, and developing evidence-based policies and practices. They may also work to address the needs of victims and those who have been affected by crime, including providing support and resources for rehabilitation and reentry into society.
The Milwaukee Community Justice Council is the criminal justice coordinating council for Milwaukee County.
There are several benefits to having a Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC), including:
Improved Communication and Coordination: A CJCC facilitates communication and coordination among the different agencies and stakeholders in the criminal legal system, which can lead to more efficient and effective delivery of services.
Increased Collaboration: A CJCC encourages collaboration and shared decision-making among criminal legal agencies, which can result in better policy and program development and implementation.
Greater Efficiency: By reducing duplication of efforts and promoting collaboration, a CJCC can lead to greater efficiency and cost savings in the criminal legal system.
Improved Public Safety: A CJCC's focus on reducing crime and recidivism can lead to safer communities and a more effective criminal legal system.
Enhanced Justice: By promoting fairness and equity in the criminal legal system, a CJCC can enhance public trust in the system and ensure that justice is served.
Data-Driven Decisions: A CJCC can collect and analyze data to identify trends and inform policy and program development, resulting in evidence-based decisions that are grounded in data and research.
CJCCs across the country serve and operate in similar ways. In general, Criminal Justice Coordinating Councils (CJCC) are responsible for coordinating and collaborating among the different agencies and stakeholders in the criminal legal system to improve public safety, reduce crime and recidivism, and enhance the fairness and efficiency of the criminal legal process.
Listed below are examples of tasks that a CJCC may undertake:
Develop Policies and Procedures: A CJCC may develop policies and procedures to promote consistency and efficiency in the criminal legal system. These policies may address issues, such as data sharing, evidence-based practices, and community reentry after incarceration.
Conduct Research and Analysis: A CJCC may conduct research and analysis to identify trends and challenges in the criminal legal system, and to develop evidence-based solutions. This may involve collecting and analyzing data on crime rates, recidivism rates, and relevant demographics.
Promote Collaboration: A CJCC may promote collaboration among criminal legal agencies and stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, courts, corrections, and victim advocacy groups. This collaboration may involve sharing information and resources, and developing joint initiatives and programs.
Provide Technical Assistance and Training: A CJCC may provide technical assistance and training to criminal legal agencies and stakeholders to improve their skills and knowledge of evidence-based practices and policies.
Evaluate Programs and Policies: A CJCC may evaluate programs and policies to determine their effectiveness in achieving their intended outcomes, and to identify opportunities for improvement.
Address Systemic Issues: A CJCC may address systemic issues in the criminal legal system, such as racial disparities and overrepresentation of specific populations in the system.
Yes, standing committee meetings are open to the public; however, some require working knowledge of criminal legal system processes, procedures, and policies.
If you are interested in attending, please contact us in advance of your attendance for meeting details and relevant materials.
In addition to committees, the CJC hosts bimonthly Meetings of the Whole to share information, receive feedback, and engage in collaborative priority-setting with the wider community. Information regarding Meetings of the Whole can be found here.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice provides these flow charts to demonstrate the typical process from the time a crime is reported through sentencing.
A glossary of criminal legal terminology is also available on the Wisconsin Department of Justice website.