Department of Public Safety Commissioner of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice W. David Guice joined state and local leaders from across the nation to discuss school safety, Justice Reinvestment and other complex criminal justice policies at the annual Board of Directors meeting of The Council of State Governments Justice Center (CSG Justice Center), a group of legislators, court and law enforcement officials, cabinet secretaries and other gubernatorial appointees.
Commissioner Guice participated in discussions aimed at determining the best ways to advance the latest thinking and evidence-based practices on issues such as corrections spending and public safety outcomes, reducing recidivism rates among people released from prison and jail, improving local law enforcement’s response to people with mental illnesses, and developing strategies to reduce schools’ dependence on suspension and expulsion to respond to student misconduct.
“The CSG Justice Center remains at the forefront of advancing data-driven, consensus-based approaches to increasing public safety,” said Commissioner Guice. “I am proud to be associated with this bipartisan Board of Directors, which is full of leading policymakers who are committed to promoting innovative ideas that are improving the criminal justice field across the United States.”
Over the past year, the CSG Justice Center has worked with state and local leaders on a wide variety of projects, including: working to pass Justice Reinvestment legislation in Kansas and West Virginia, as well as launching new justice reinvestment initiatives in Idaho and Michigan; undertaking a multi-year School Discipline Consensus Project; and unveiling the What Works in Reentry Clearinghouse.
In addition to reviewing the status of these respective projects, board members provided input to help shape the Justice Center’s future priorities. In planning for the upcoming year, the group examined options for helping state and local leaders undertake recommendations laid out in the recently published Adults with Behavioral Health Needs Under Correctional Supervision; assisting states such as Hawaii and Pennsylvania implement their respective Justice Reinvestment legislation; and contributing to the national dialogue about fostering a positive learning environment and improving school safety in the wake of the Newtown tragedy.
“The CSG Justice Center remains at the forefront of advancing data-driven, consensus-based approaches to increasing public safety,” said Commissioner Guice. “The discussion about collaborative, cross-system juvenile justice strategies that reduce recidivism and improve outcomes for youth involved in the juvenile justice system was particularly timely for me given the recent reorganization within DPS. The Justice Center is researching ideas such as juvenile mental health courts, gang intervention programs, and other diversion models; treatment for youth with mental health and/or substance abuse disorders; mentoring programs; services for youth returning to their communities from juvenile correctional facilities; and programs focusing on education and employment.”
“I greatly appreciate the unique perspective provided by Commissioner Guice,” said Michael Thompson, Executive Director of the CSG Justice Center. “We are fortunate to have Commissioner Guice as a part of the dedicated group of talented experts represented on our board.”
The Council of State Governments Justice Center is a national nonprofit organization that serves policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels from all branches of government. It provides practical, nonpartisan advice and consensus-driven strategies—informed by available evidence—to increase public safety and strengthen communities. For more information about the Justice Center, visit www.csgjusticecenter.org.
###
Contact: Diana Kees
Phone: (919) 733-5027