Safety and Justice Challenge
Over ten years, the Safety and Justice Challenge has provided support to local leaders from across the country who are working to safely reduce overincarceration in jails, more effectively use taxpayer resources and protect public safety.
County officials are critical stakeholders in efforts to improve local justice systems as counties run 91 percent of jails with nearly 11 million people admitted every year. Counties invest close to $80 billion annually in the criminal justice system, including $33 billion in county law enforcement activities, $19 billion in courts and legal services and $26 billion in correctional facilities. The county justice system is also part of a larger community context that interacts with justice-involved individuals. Health care centers, hospitals, emergency rooms, behavioral health providers, schools and community colleges and housing assistance are examples of the community-based resources accessed by individuals prior to, during or after their justice system involvement—counties invest more than $140 billion annually in these types of health and human services.
NACo is a strategic ally in the Safety and Justice Challenge, providing county leaders across the country with information about successes and lessons learned through Challenge efforts and supporting these leaders through learning opportunities and resources.
The Safety and Justice Challenge was funded by John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
Safety and Justice Challenge Network
Within the Challenge Network, 57 participating cities, counties and states have worked to explore ambitious reforms to make their local justice systems fairer and more effective. With grants from The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the Network is implementing a wide variety of strategies all aimed at reducing jail populations and eliminating racial and ethnic disparities. These tactics and successes can be used as models for similar reforms across the country.
Some of the cities and counties within the Safety and Justice Challenge received a grant through the Challenge Innovation Fund. These jurisdictions received funding, technical assistance, and ongoing access to resources and peer learning opportunities.
To learn more about the work in any of the sites, click here.
Featured Initiative
CORE Justice Network
The CORE Justice Network was a group of county officials working to drive change in the criminal legal system. The cohort focused on innovative, county-led approaches to equity, exploring policies, practices and programs with measurable impact on justice-involved populations.
Resource
County Roles and Opportunities in Advancing Safety and Justice through Collaboration
Sponsors
