March Is National Criminal Justice Month

March is National Criminal Justice Month, a time to recognize efforts that improve public safety and strengthen communities. We work with states to advance data-driven solutions that reduce recidivism, improve reentry, address violent crime, and expand access to mental health and substance use treatment. As part of this effort, our State Policy Guide for Solving More Violent Crime provides policymakers with proven strategies to solve more cases and support victims. 

North Carolina Moves to End Police Response for Mental Health Patients

A recent report from NC Health News found that involuntary commitment petitions increased by at least 97 percent between 2011 and 2021 in North Carolina. But this December, North Carolina took a major step in addressing the needs of mental health patients by launching a pilot program that will allow trained medical professionals to transport people who have been involuntarily committed to inpatient facilities.

Learn more about our work on community responder programs, which provide alternatives to traditional law enforcement responses for behavioral health crises and social disturbances, through the Expanding First Response initiative.

Los Angeles Sees 14 Percent Drop in Homicides amid Broader Crime Decline in 2024

Los Angeles saw significant public safety gains in 2024, according to LAPD’s latest end-of-year crime report. Homicides dropped 14 percent, shooting victims fell 19 percent, and property crimes declined by over 7,000 incidents citywide. DUI-related crashes also decreased by nearly 37 percent. Mayor Karen Bass and LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell credited targeted enforcement, community collaboration, and improved data systems for the progress. The city remains focused on sustaining these reductions and enhancing neighborhood safety.

Share Your County Stories: Celebrating 10 Years of Stepping Up

As we approach the 10th anniversary of the Stepping Up initiative in May 2025, we’re celebrating its impact by highlighting stories, data, and other information from counties and partners. The Stepping Up partners—the CSG Justice Center, the National Association of Counties, and the American Psychiatric Association Foundation—want to demonstrate the depth and breadth of Stepping Up counties’ work over the years. Your insights will help us share this journey with the public and key stakeholders via the web and social media campaigns. The more details you provide, the stronger our collective story will be. Thank you for your work in advancing Stepping Up in your county and for helping us celebrate our 10-year milestone! 

Supporting Children of Incarcerated Parents: Fostering Collaborative Support Systems

Children of incarcerated parents face significant challenges at home, in school, and in their communities. Parental incarceration is an adverse childhood experience (ACE) that disrupts family stability and well-being, affecting children, caregivers, and educators. 

Join this webinar to learn how schools, families, community partners, and correctional facilities can better support these children. Experts from the Osborne Association and U.S. Dream Academy will share strategies for creating supportive spaces and providing holistic educational support. 

April 3, 2025 

3:00–4:00 p.m. ET 

Register Now: 2025 Juvenile Justice Training Institutes

Judicial officers hearing delinquency cases are invited to the 2025 Courting Judicial Excellence Juvenile Justice Training Institutes—an intensive, interactive program designed to provide research, best practices, and peer networking opportunities. This free training is open to all judges handling youth justice cases and includes an option for follow-up technical assistance. Sessions will be held in Minneapolis (May 19–23), Anaheim (June 23–27), and Austin (August 18–22). Space is limited to 50 participants per location, so register today! Contact Christina Gilbert, cgilbert@csg.org, for more details. 

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