Our History
Milwaukee County is widely recognized for criminal legal system innovation and collaboration.
Over the last decade, Milwaukee has redesigned its system, integrating risk and needs assessments by implementing universal screening for individuals booked into the jail. This practice provides risk information to be used when making pretrial release decisions and has guided the development of evidence-based strategies for pretrial supervision and early intervention programs, including diversions and deferred prosecutions.
In 2008, the CJC launched reforms to reexamine use of the local jail. To expand these initial efforts, Milwaukee requested the support of MacArthur Foundation through its Safety and Justice Challenge initiative.
The SJC has evolved over 5 phases:
- Phase I (2015) engaged jurisdictions across the country to participate in the planning and development of site-specific strategies.
- Phase II (2016 - 2018) provided funding and technical assistance to implement strategies that were identified during Phase I.
- Phase III (2019-2020) continued support for our work, including 4 new or modified strategies and added investments in community engagement.
- Sustainability Phase IV (2021-2022) deepened our focus on racial equity and long-term sustainability.
- Capstone Phase V (2023-2025) infuses final funding to promote sustainability and uphold community engagement, racial equity, and data efforts.