Launching JRI
Leaders from all branches of state government indicate their commitment to intensive JRI technical assistance by submitting signed letters of interest to JRI funders.
Approved states begin the JRI process with data analysis and policy development followed by implementation and sustainability efforts after legislation is passed or administrative changes are adopted by state or local agencies. State oversight committees guide states’ engagement through these processes, which typically last approximately two to three years with ongoing data monitoring.
Project phases
In the first phase of the project, the technical assistance provider works with the state’s committee overseeing the effort, which consists of a bipartisan, multisector group of policymakers from a variety of state and local agencies and organizations, to conduct the following activities:
- Collect data from across state and local agencies to spotlight the most pressing trends and drivers of crime, recidivism, and costs.
- Meet with a range of stakeholders, in addition to the committee.
- Assess statutes, policies, and current practices.
- Deliver findings and policy options (such as statutory changes and administrative policy recommendations) to state leaders and stakeholders in actionable presentations, which serve as the foundation for policy changes.
After a state passes legislation or adopts administrative changes and is approved for implementation technical assistance, the second phase of JRI officially begins. Throughout this phase, the technical assistance provider continues working with a state oversight committee, state leadership, and agency officials to provide customized support for approximately 12 months, such as the following:
- Assess and determine which policies and procedures need to be adjusted to comply with the newly adopted legislation or administrative changes and how to make those adjustments.
- Collaborate with state leaders and agency staff to create and launch implementation plans that can include assistance to revise internal policies and practices, communicate changes to staff, and deliver necessary training.
- Address implementation challenges once changes are adopted.
- Monitor the impact of the policies and establish an ongoing data monitoring process for an additional two years.
States can request JRI technical assistance
States interested in JRI may formally request technical assistance to determine the state’s readiness to undertake JRI, including the capacity to collect, share, and analyze data across key points in the criminal justice system.
For more information about using JRI in your state, contact:
Paul Nichols
Deputy Program Director, State Initiatives Division
The CSG Justice Center
pnichols@csg.org
Or
Leonard W. Engel, Esq.
Director of Policy and Campaigns
Crime and Justice Institute
A division of Community Resources for Justice
lengel@cjinstitute.org
You may also contact the Bureau of Justice Assistance:
Jeff Locke
Senior Policy Advisor
Jeffrey.Locke@usdoj.gov
Or
Ben Shelor
Senior Policy Advisor
Robert.Shelor@usdoj.gov