The Justice Management Institute (JMI), in collaboration with the National Institute of Corrections (NIC), is proud to introduce two groundbreaking publications designed to support jurisdictions with criminal justice coordinating councils (CJCCs). The first publication, entitled National Standards for Criminal Justice Coordinating Councils, offers a comprehensive framework for jurisdictions to create or improve a coordinating council. Its companion publication, CJCC Essential Elements, delineates the core characteristics that define high-performing CJCCs. 

These publications aim to help jurisdictions optimally structure and operate their coordinating councils, positioning their local CJCCs to effectively address challenges within the criminal justice system and facilitate meaningful change. The CJCC Essential Elements includes two practical tools: the CJCC Elements Checklist and the CJCC Elements Assessment Tool. The checklist highlights crucial components for jurisdictions to consider when forming a CJCC, while the assessment tool enables them to evaluate the extent to which their councils align with national standards. 

Complementing these new resources, JMI and NIC recently published the National Survey of Criminal Justice Coordinating Councils. Serving as the foundation for the national standards and essential elements, this publication offers additional information on coordinating councils that jurisdictions may find valuable. 

JMI is honored to have partnered with NIC and subject matter experts from the National Network of Criminal Justice Coordinating Councils (NNCJCC) in developing these invaluable resources. The release of the national standards and essential elements signifies a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to enhance the effectiveness of CJCCs and reaffirms JMI’s enduring commitment to advancing both CJCCs and the NNCJCC. 

Jurisdictions interested in receiving assistance with forming or strengthening a CJCC using these resources can reach out to Tom Eberly at thomase@jmijustice.org or Aimee Wickman at aimeew@jmijustice.org