HISTORY
The Criminal Justice Commission is responsible for criminal justice and public safety planning, research, and system-wide coordination and collaboration. The 27-member Commission Board is comprised of key local, state, and federal criminal justice and public safety representatives, metro government officials, as well as citizens representing the community. Established in December 1967, the Louisville Metro Criminal Justice Commission has been in continuous operation for more than 46 years, making it one of the oldest criminal justice planning agencies in the country. Previously known as the "Crime Commission", its name was changed in April 2003 to the Criminal Justice Commission to better reflect its expanded comprehensive mission which focuses on not only criminal justice matters, but public safety issues as well. The benefits of effective planning are numerous and include improvements in coordination and cooperation; a multidisciplinary analysis of criminal justice and public safety issues, programs, and services; and an evaluation of the overall quality of justice. In addition, comprehensive planning provides more effective allocation of resources, the establishment of clear goals, objectives, and priorities, and ultimately results in enhanced service and increased public confidence in the system. Through its planning and coordination role, the Commission Board and staff attempt to support the local system's ability to administer justice and public safety in a cost-effective, equitable, and efficient manner. Most importantly, the Commission has provided the community with an impartial forum for discussing pressing issues, most of which require a systemic and coordinated approach to effect change. Coordinated approaches cannot occur without this neutral forum that allows agencies to work together to create solutions. These solutions are formulated into policy decisions that complement the systemic efforts of the whole.
MISSION
The mission of the Criminal Justice Commission is to improve the administration of justice and promote public safety through planning, research, education, and system-wide coordination of criminal justice and public safety initiatives.
OBJECTIVES
- Collect and analyze data and publish reports on the incidence and nature of crime as well as its overall impact on the criminal justice system workload
- Generate recommendations for improvements in criminal justice system operations to promote efficiencies
- Educate the public and engage community residents on issues and challenges facing the criminal justice system
- Provide assistance in criminal justice program development and, when possible, secure and administer state or federal funds for specific projects