20241217-143116-48

Ripening States and Projects
Monthly Updates:
In August, the CSG Justice Center remained focused on general ripening activities related to planning for follow-up engagements that will build on connections made at the National Summit to Advance States' Criminal Justice Priorities in December 2023. In August, the CSG Justice Center staff conducted follow-up outreach to the 670 recipients of the mailed hard copies of data snapshots that were originally created and distributed at the National Summit to a comprehensive contact list of legislative and gubernatorial leaders in all 50 states. To date, we have held conversations with 120 recipients.
In August, the CSG Justice Center team continued providing information on JRI to state leaders and stakeholders in West Virginia during a August 25 - 27 site visit. CSG Justice Center staff conducted meetings with key stakeholders in West Virginia and receiving additional recommendations for other key stakeholders to engage. While on-site, CSG Justice Center staff attended interim session legislative hearings, toured a regional jail, and met with legislators and stakeholders. CSG Justice Center staff met with the Speaker of the House and Senate President to discuss the executive order to form the working group. When meeting with the Speaker of the House and Senate President, the CSG Justice Center team was assured they would work with Governor Justice's office to obtain an executive order.
CSG Justice Center staff also met with the advocacy group Americans for Prosperity (AFP), who supported the Attorney General's campaign for Governor. The AFP team shared they anticipated criminal justice issues being a priority focus for the Attorney General if elected Governor in 2025/2026, which aligns with the project timeline. CSG Justice Center also met with the Chief of Staff from the Attorney General's office to request the support of the Attorney General, who is projected to be the next governor of West Virginia. The Chief of Staff assured the CSG Justice Center team that he would speak with the Attorney General and follow up.
CSG Justice Center staff further refined the research plan to better align with the goals of West Virginia and coordinated a signed data use agreement with the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR), the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC), data from the AOC would include magistrate decisions, sentencing, and probation supervision. CSG Justice Center staff began the process of cleaning data including identifying missing data and determining follow-up questions for the AOC.
JAC States and Projects
Monthly Updates:
Between August 19 - 22, the CSG Justice Center staff conducted an in-person site visit with the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) Community Supervision Services (CSS) staff in Lincoln and Omaha to observe interactions between parole officers and people on supervision, and to attend meetings with CSS staff and leadership. During the site visit, CSG Justice Center staff conducted two focus groups with CSS parole officers, observed six meetings between parole officers and people on supervision, attended one program being facilitated, and met with CSS leadership and support staff in each office. CSG Justice Center staff were able to provide high level takeaways from the site visit with NDCS leadership and discuss parole supervision oversight, its intersection with institutional reentry staff, and focusing on aligning reentry efforts across agencies.
In August, the CSG Justice Center began analyzing the Nebraska Board of Parole's (NBOP) policies and procedures, including their training manual for board members and the parole school curricula. The goal is to better understand how these elements influence parole board release decision-making, parole readiness, and community reentry. CSG Justice Center staff also visited NDCS to understand the reentry process as people transition between the institution and supervision. CSG Justice Center staff were able to identify challenges including a high number of people on electronic monitoring, issues with housing placements, and a lack of coordination between parole officers and reentry staff as is relates to reentry plans. Throughout the month, the team maintained regular communication with all relevant stakeholders to ensure transparency, collaboration, and effective implementation.
CSG Justice Center staff virtually attended a session of the NBOP's Parole School to observe the curriculum and its effectiveness in preparing inmates for the parole process. The Parole School aims to educate individuals about parole expectations, institutional behavior, and required programming before their hearings. During the session, participants were guided through the parole guidelines, the importance of meeting behavioral and programmatic goals, and understanding both general and special parole conditions. Observing this session provided CSG Justice Center staff with valuable insights into how the board communicates expectations to inmates and helps ensure a smoother transition for those nearing their parole hearings. This observation will inform recommendations for enhancing the program and aligning it with best practices.
In Hawaii, CSG Justice Center staff wrapped up their analysis of data from the Hawaii Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR) as part of an ongoing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Criminal Justice Research Institute (CJRI) to gather Hawaii Paroling Authority (HPA) data for an upcoming task force presentation in September. Together with CJRI, CSG Justice Center staff finalized the data and prepared for the September 12 HCR 23 Task Force meeting. Throughout the month, the team worked closely with key state leaders, refining the data and discussing potential recommendations for the task force.
CSG Justice Center staff continued drafting and modifying several documents: a focus group summary, one-pager, and work plan. The focus group summary compiles qualitative data from the various focus groups conducted in May and July. Upon completion, the document will be used as a tool for identifying target areas and developing guiding questions for potential future focus groups. CSG Justice Center staff developed a framework for a one-pager to be shared with legislators and North Carolina Department of Adult Correction (NCDAC) stakeholders. The one-pager will include an overview of previous JRA efforts and policies, current project goals, and initial findings of the data analysis. Lastly, CSG Justice Center staff continued drafting a work plan outlining remaining tasks and deliverables with key deadlines.
CSG Justice Center staff collaborated with NCDAC staff to identify potential site visit dates to engage legislators and gauge interest in future JRI work. CSG Justice Center staff developed an internal website containing data codebooks, an overview of the quantitative data findings, and outstanding questions for NCDAC staff.
CSG Justice Center staff visited Colorado from August 12 to August 15, 2024. Through meaningful discussions with key stakeholders, the team conducted exploratory conversations to assess state interest with legislators in a JAC project to understand the prevailing problem areas within the state's criminal justice system. These interactions allowed the CSG Justice Center staff to gain insights into the state's political dynamics and the diverse landscape of advocates working towards reform. By establishing connections with various stakeholders, the staff deepened their understanding of the unique relationships that exist within Colorado's criminal justice framework. Overall, this visit was a crucial step for the CSG Justice Center in fostering collaboration and advancing JAC's mission within the state.
The team continues to call and email legislators and stakeholders to drive conversations around the JAC, including looking to understand the criminal justice system dynamics, the government/political dynamics, the landscape of advocates, and the interplay of the unique relationships of the stakeholders.