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
CORE COMPONENTS
| Justice Collaborative | Justice Audit | Justice Reinvestment Plans | Justice Intermediary |
| Diverse stakeholders are gathered, reflecting interests across the justice ecosystem, including government and community stakeholders. | Community-informed audits are conducted annually, mapping data and sharing information from multiple sectors within one platform. | Collaborative, policy-making implementation plans are developed and informed by the Justice Audit findings. | The host organization for the BJC-JGP that convenes and facilitates BJC-JGP activities of the Justice Collaborative, Audit, and Reinvestment Plans. |
