This #SecondChanceMonth, CCJ member Lauren Johnson highlights how second chances give people the opportunity to redefine themselves—and how they’re seen by others.

For @brookings.edu, three members of our Task Force on AI wrote about the need for state-level regulation of AI use for criminal justice.

More 👇 from @alexchohlaswood.com @chiraagbains.bsky.social, and Katie Kinsey (@policingproject.bsky.social)

www.brookings.edu/articles/sta...

Opinion | D.C. curfews are not enough to curb crime. Arrest data shows why. Youth violence in the District happens on the move. So should prevention.

"D.C. cannot police its way out of a problem that often builds before law enforcement ever arrives," Thaddeus L. Johnson and Natasha N. Johnson write. https://wapo.st/42n5HgU

Panelists include Daryl Atkinson, Nan Gibson, and Rob Jeffreys. The conversation will be moderated by Khalil Cumberbatch and @marclevin.bsky.social.

How are second chance policies working in practice, what drives success and failure, and what will it take to sustain progress over time? Join the Council and a panel of experts on April 28 from 12-1 pm ET to learn more.

Register at: events.zoom.us/ev/AjTDujoTh...

We are pleased to congratulate @premaldharia.bsky.social of @endmassinc.bsky.social on her election as a CCJ member. Welcome!

U.S. Senate Testimony: How to Help Justice-Involved Veterans - Council on Criminal Justice CCJ Veterans Justice Commission Director David “Mac” MacEwen testified at a bipartisan hearing of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs on veterans justice issues.

He highlights the need for better identification of veterans in the justice system, expanded treatment and diversion programs, and coordinated, evidence-based policies: counciloncj.org/u-s-senate-t...

CCJ Veterans Justice Commission Director David MacEwen’s Senate testimony underscores a key point: supporting veterans means addressing the realities they face after service.

ICYMI: Tune in tomorrow at 3:30 ET to hear CCJ Veterans Justice Commission Director David "Mac" MacEwen testify on Programs for Justice-Involved Veterans.

Thank you to the chair, Senator Jerry Moran (KS), and ranking member, @blumenthal.senate.gov (CT), for holding the hearing.

We’re honored to welcome Michael Boggs to the Council on Criminal Justice's Board of Trustees!

A former chief justice of the Georgia Supreme Court, Michael brings decades of judicial experience and a strong commitment to fairness and the rule of law. Please join us in welcoming him!

April is #SecondChanceMonth, a time to reflect on the role of second chances in the justice system & their impact on individuals, families, & communities.

CCJ member Tiheba Bain highlights how creating opportunities for people to rebuild their lives & move forward are acts of justice, not charity.

Watch the full interview at: https://counciloncj.org/upclose-with-christy-lopez/

Meet spotlighted member Christy Lopez, prof. from practice & co-dir. of the Center for Innovations in Community Safety at @georgetownlaw.bsky.social. She highlights the importance of solving a problem rather than just focusing on a singular solution, particularly when it comes to police misconduct.

Stay tuned for updates and takeaways from the hearing next week. In the meantime, learn more about the Veterans Justice Commission: counciloncj.org/veterans-jus...

MacEwen will present findings and recommendations produced by the Commission to help prevent veterans from falling into the criminal justice system and better support veterans who do. Read the recommendations here: vjc.counciloncj.org/vjc-reports/

The hearing will be live streamed here: www.veterans.senate.gov/2026/4/progr...

Save the date 📅

Next Wednesday, April 15 at 3:30 p.m. ET, CCJ Veterans Justice Commission Director David MacEwen will testify to the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs for a hearing on Programs for Justice-Involved Veterans.

Watch the full video at: https://youtu.be/hLlo-rBcqPA

“We lose $87 billion annually because of the underemployment of folks with criminal records.”
At the 2025 CCJ Member Summit, the Responsible Business Initiative for Justice’s Maha Jweied emphasized the econ., safety, & values-driven reasons why businesses should employ formerly incarcerated people.

Watch the full video at: https://youtu.be/D4aXZpTCUEE

“We have to focus on how to get officers and their supervisors to understand what is constitutional—what can be done and what can’t be done.”

At the 2025 CCJ Member Summit, Deputy Monitor of the NYPD Stop and Frisk Case Richard Jerome spoke on law enforcement training, supervision, & discipline.

April marks #SecondChanceMonth, a time to highlight the role of second chances in the justice system and community reentry. CCJ member Norman Brown, deputy project director of Project New Opportunity, shares his perspective on the importance of allowing people to grow.

From Victim to Defendant: The Rise of Survivors Justice Laws - Council on Criminal Justice The Council on Criminal Justice and a panel of experts examined how survivors justice laws laws are being implemented, what challenges have emerged, and what policymakers and practitioners can learn f...

Watch CCJ's webinar on how these laws are being implemented & what policymakers & practitioners can learn from the challenges that have emerged, ft. Stephanie Akhter, David Martin, Dalia Racine, Jane-Roberte Sampeur, & Jillian Snider, w/ moderator Khalil Cumberbatch: counciloncj.org/from-victim-...

Survivors justice laws allow courts to consider evidence of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and trafficking during sentencing. What are the effects of these laws?

We’re proud to welcome Whitney Westerfield to CCJ as our newest Board Member.

Whitney brings a wealth of experience in public service, leadership, & criminal justice policy. His commitment to advancing thoughtful, data-driven solutions will help strengthen our mission & impact.

We’re excited to share that Benjamin Tucker has been elected to the Council on Criminal Justice’s Board of Directors.

A respected leader in the field, Ben offers extensive expertise and a practical perspective on strengthening public safety and improving justice system outcomes. Welcome Ben!

New podcast out! I talk with Adam Gelb of @counciloncj.org about building an organization of experts, why murder may be falling in the US, the role of AI in policing's future, and much more! Give it a listen!

Spotify - open.spotify.com/episode/5Lkm...

Apple - podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/f...

Task Force on AI - Council on Criminal Justice The Task Force on Artificial Intelligence is developing standards and evidence-based recommendations to guide the safe, ethical, and effective use of AI in the criminal justice system.

These case studies will serve as implementation playbooks that agencies and communities can use to see how the framework may apply to specific types of AI tools.

Learn more about the Task Force on Artificial Intelligence here: counciloncj.org/artificial-i...

Later in 2026, the Task Force will present a series of use-case studies that demonstrate the framework in action across different Al applications and agency contexts.

The tools also offer fillable templates and checklists for procurement and classification, as well as step-by-step support for implementation planning and ongoing monitoring.