Updated State Violent Crime Data Now Available

We’ve updated our analysis of violent crime nationwide to include data through 2023 for each state. These analyses include the following: 

• State-specific violent crime trends  
• Data on arrests and solve rates 
• Strategies that states can use to reduce violent crime 



Given widespread concern about public safety policies, it’s vital for state policymakers to have the latest information readily available to create data-driven policies. Our experts are available to meet to dive deeper into the data and discuss solutions that your state can adopt to reduce violent crime. Contact Robert Hamill at rhamill@csg.org to schedule a call. 

San Antonio Redefines Public Safety by Integrating Crisis Response

Our Behavioral Health Division continues to examine effective crisis response models nationwide. San Antonio's SA CORE program exemplifies the evidence-based practices we've identified—moving beyond traditional policing to an integrated approach. Ernie Stevens, deputy division director of behavioral health at the CSG Justice Center, emphasizes this evolution in public safety. "Safety can no longer be the absence of crime," he explains. "It has to be the presence of well-being." SA CORE's strategic integration of mental health clinicians, paramedics, and specialized officers aligns with our research on successful crisis response strategies, offering valuable information for jurisdictions nationwide. Want to learn more? Read Part 1 and Part 2 of KSAT's investigation, or watch their behind-the-scenes news feature on how SA CORE is transforming crisis response in San Antonio.

Highlights from the Women in Government Leadership & Innovation Summit

Our director, Megan Quattlebaum, recently attended the Women in Government Leadership & Innovation Summit in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she connected with leaders nationwide to discuss the Reentry 2030 initiative. Megan highlighted the importance of innovative reentry solutions and how legislative leaders can enhance efforts to support people returning to their communities after incarceration. This collaboration is important to advance public safety and create supportive environments for successful reentry. For more details and how states are leading the way in improving reentry outcomes, visit the Reentry 2030 website. 

Crisis Teams Trade Uniforms for Trust in Bexar County

A recent news report from Texas spotlights how Bexar County's S.M.A.R.T. program is reshaping mental health crisis response. As Deputy Division Director Ernie Stevens tells the local news, officers in full uniform and marked vehicles can create barriers when connecting with people in crisis. The CSG Justice Center recognizes the significance of S.M.A.R.T.'s approach—trading traditional police uniforms for polo shirts and unmarked cars. This direct approach puts people at ease from the first moment of contact, building trust when it matters most. Bexar County's story shows how moving away from traditional police presentations leads to more positive outcomes for people seeking mental health help. 

Announcing the First Zero Returns to Homelessness Cohort: Six Teams Selected to Tackle Reentry Housing Challenges

With support from the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) and in partnership with the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH), we are pleased to announce the six participants of the first-ever Zero Returns to Homelessness Cohort. For the next two years, teams from the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes; Idaho Department of Corrections; Louisville (KY) Department of Corrections; Michigan Department of Corrections; Natrona County (WY); and Oregon Department of Corrections will receive free support and technical assistance as they expand their reentry housing options. The cohort will have an opportunity to learn about effective and innovative reentry housing strategies, homelessness prevention methods, community collaboration tips, and more from a host of federal, state, and local experts. As they do, we will share lessons learned and insights on the Zero Returns to Homelessness webpage to encourage innovative strategies and cross-systems collaboration.

Editor’s note: Director Megan Quattlebaum recently penned a web article highlighting housing as the key to reentry success.

Partnering with Community Colleges to Grow and Strengthen the Community Responder Workforce 

In this webinar, leaders in the community responder field will discuss the development of workforce development programs hosted in partnership with local community colleges to increase the availability of trained professionals to respond to behavioral health crisis calls. Staff from the Crisis Alternative Response Evanston (IL) team and Oakton College will speak about their ongoing partnership on a workforce development program, and Dr. Amy Watson, professor of social work at Wayne State University, will discuss the potential for expanding the community responder workforce nationwide. 

December 12, 2024 

2:00–3:30 p.m. ET 

Transforming Corrections: How Research and Analytics Can Improve Prison Safety

In this virtual seminar, Iowa Department of Corrections (IDOC) Research Director Sarah Fineran will share how they improved the department’s research methods and collaborated with partners to design and safely implement technology and data tools. Join us to learn how these changes are making Iowa’s correctional facilities safer and better for everyone and learn more about IDOC’s journey into analytics and data-driven decision-making. 

December 17, 2024  

2:00–3:00 p.m. ET 

Supporting Children of Incarcerated Parents: Addressing School-Based Bias and Stigma

Children of incarcerated parents often face unique challenges in school, including academic struggles and social-emotional difficulties. The trauma of being separated from a parent can deeply affect their well-being, causing stress and stigma not only for the children but also for their families and caregivers, including the caregivers in schools.  

This webinar will explore how schools and correctional facilities can better support children of incarcerated parents. We’ll discuss how educators can recognize and address their own implicit biases; create affirming spaces for children of incarcerated parents; and provide educational support for children, caregivers, and families of incarcerated parents. 

January 8, 2025 

3:00–4:00 p.m. ET 

Interested in learning more about the work of the CSG Justice Center? Check out our other newsletters and subscribe to gain access to resources and up-to-date information.