A different approach to engaging community on criminal justice issues

About the Program

Category: Criminal Justice and Public Safety (Best in Category)

Year: 2022

Dane County is the fastest growing county in Wisconsin, accounting for a third of the state’s population growth in the last decade. The County is thriving, however, that success is not equally shared. Dane County has some of the worst racial disparities in the U.S. criminal justice system. The Dane County Board included $100,000 in the 2020 budget to conduct a needs assessment for a community justice center. A community justice center incorporates procedural fairness, restorative justice, and community centered transformative initiatives. As a part of the needs assessment, early and inclusive engagement around criminal justice improvements was a requirement. Given the potential impact, the County Board and Criminal Justice Council designed a robust public engagement initiative. The focus was to engage those populations often not heard from, but most impacted by decisions. The pre-engagement method included contracts with several Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) organizations to hold facilitated conversations. This process gave the County important feedback and at the same time contracts provided funds during a time of uncertainty to community organizations. This opportunity allowed for a more even playing field giving community organizations a opportunity to speak with clients directly in a format of their choice.