Justice Governance Partnership

The BJC-JGP brings together community partners, justice system leaders, and service providers across Birmingham and Jefferson County to improve access to justice and support stronger
outcomes for individuals and families. Through collaboration, shared data, and community – driven strategies, the initiative works to address barriers and build a more responsive and equitable system.

Birmingham-Jefferson County Justice & Governance Partnership

Adequately resourced and effective law enforcement and criminal justice systems are cornerstones of public safety. But as these priorities are addressed, underlying conditions that leave communities vulnerable must receive attention as well.. Safe and thriving communities prevent crime and reduce justice involvement by providing broad access to housing, healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. We must look more holistically at what contributes to public safety and quality of life, while also elevating the expertise of residents most impacted by chronic inequity. The Birmingham-Jefferson County Justice and Governance Partnership (BJC-JGP) provides a space for residents, community organizations, and city leaders to work together to create visions for public safety that are prosperity-oriented and data-driven.

PARCA is leading this effort by providing the coordination of community groups and collection of data.

BJC-JGP will also identify how resources and policies can best be coordinated to support healthy and just communities. Birmingham/Jefferson County is one of a select group of communities to receive funding to collaborate with Aspen Institute’s Criminal Justice Reform Initiative, which is leading a national effort to promote systemic approaches to public safety and justice in mid-sized and rural communities.

ABOUT THE BJC-JGP

The goal of the BJC-JGP is to understand what contributes to public safety in our neighborhoods so that resources, cross-sector strategies, and local government policies can be coordinated to provide more equitable outcomes and access to opportunity in our community. We need to address the social conditions for public safety to avoid challenges from occurring in the first place.
The BJC-JGP’s intentional focus on neighborhood outcomes will allow us to reach those who need the most resources and to better address community priorities. The shared data and analysis will be used to support collaborative policymaking, partnerships, and resource sharing across law enforcement, government partners, and community members.

CORE COMPONENTS

Justice Collaborative

Diverse stakeholders are gathered, reflecting interests across the justice ecosystem, including government and community stakeholders.

Justice Audit

Community-informed audits are conducted annually, mapping data and sharing information from multiple sectors within one platform.

Justice Reinvestment Plans

Collaborative, policy-making implementation plans are developed and informed by the Justice Audit findings.

Justice Intermediary

The host organization for the BJC-JGP that convenes and facilitates BJC-JGP activities of the Justice Collaborative, Audit, and Reinvestment Plans.

News & Updates

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