Counties leading the way in advancing their administration of criminal justice generally have one common denominator—a formalized body to provide input and direction to county decision makers for the improvement of their criminal legal system. Often these are referred to as a criminal justice coordinating council (“CJCC”). NACo's CJCC resource hub provides valuable information for counties working toward developing their own CJCC or looking to strengthen an existing CJCC.

This hub was developed in partnership with the National Criminal Justice Association.

Partner Resources

National Standards for Criminal Justice Coordinating Councils

Developed by the National Institute of Corrections, the National Standards for Criminal Justice Coordinating Councils is a comprehensive framework for the formation and ongoing management of criminal justice coordinating councils (CJCCs). These standards represent the accumulation of practical knowledge on CJCCs, and they outline practices and protocols deemed highly effective in operating a high-functioning council.

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Guidelines for Developing a Criminal Justice Coordinating Council

This microsite run by the National Institute of Corrections provides describes CJCCs, provides specific guidance for their development and operation, and offers tips on how to sustain them. It includes practical resources, templates and document examples.

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CJCC Essential Elements: A Companion to the National Standards for Criminal Justice Coordinating Councils

This companion publication to the National Standards for Criminal Justice Coordinating Councils describes each essential element and key factors that indicate the presence of the element. This publication provides a checklist for CJCCs, along with a CJCC essential elements assessment tool. Both the checklist and the essential elements assessment tool are designed to assist jurisdictions seeking to form a CJCC, by providing a framework of effective practices. For jurisdictions with an existing CJCC, the essential elements assessment tool serves as an instrument for assessing the health and effectiveness of their council.

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National Network of Criminal Justice Coordinating Councils

Administered by the Justice Management Institute (JMI), the National Network of Criminal Justice Coordinating Councils (NNCJCC) empowers CJCCs to drive positive change through knowledge sharing, advocacy and innovation. It advocates for CJCC directors leading systemic initiatives and serves as a resource for jurisdictions looking to establish or sustain an effective CJCC.

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National Survey of Criminal Justice Coordinating Councils

This publication presents findings from a national survey of criminal justice coordinating council (CJCC) directors and members. It is one of a series of publications aimed at enhancing the literature about CJCCs and highlighting their purpose and value in shaping local justice systems. 

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Ronin Davis

Senior Program Manager – Behavioral Health & Justice