Council on Criminal Justice
@counciloncj.org
Nonpartisan think tank and invitational membership organization that advances understanding of the criminal justice policy choices facing the nation and builds consensus for solutions that enhance safety and justice for all.
https://counciloncj.org/
https://counciloncj.org/
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The Council on Criminal Justice is a nonpartisan think tank and invitational membership organization with two main goals:
1️⃣ Advance understanding of the criminal justice policy choices facing the nation
2️⃣ Build consensus for solutions that enhance safety & justice for all
The Council on Criminal Justice is a nonpartisan think tank and invitational membership organization with two main goals:
1️⃣ Advance understanding of the criminal justice policy choices facing the nation
2️⃣ Build consensus for solutions that enhance safety & justice for all
We’re pleased to see New Jersey join a growing bipartisan group of states that allow courts to consider a domestic violence survivor’s experiences as a mitigating factor in sentencing, aligned with a recommendation from the CCJ Women’s Justice Commission. www.vljnj.org/news/sja-mad...
New Jersey’s Survivors Justice Act: Transforming Sentencing and Expungement for Abuse Survivors — Volunteer Lawyers for Justice
Governor Murphy signs the Survivors Justice Act (S4870/S4871), a landmark New Jersey law reforming sentencing and expungement for domestic violence and abuse survivors. Championed by VLJ, NJCEDV, and ...
www.vljnj.org
February 5, 2026 at 5:30 PM
We’re pleased to see New Jersey join a growing bipartisan group of states that allow courts to consider a domestic violence survivor’s experiences as a mitigating factor in sentencing, aligned with a recommendation from the CCJ Women’s Justice Commission. www.vljnj.org/news/sja-mad...
What does the state legislative landscape look like in 2026?
The CCJ Centering Justice initiative discussed this question with @ncslorg.bsky.social's Sarah Brown, Future Caucus' Paige Ferguson, & State Reps. Kanani Souza (R-HI) and @kadyn-wittman.bsky.social (D-SD). counciloncj.org/event-record...
The CCJ Centering Justice initiative discussed this question with @ncslorg.bsky.social's Sarah Brown, Future Caucus' Paige Ferguson, & State Reps. Kanani Souza (R-HI) and @kadyn-wittman.bsky.social (D-SD). counciloncj.org/event-record...
Event Recording: The State of Criminal Justice Legislation in 2026 - Council on Criminal Justice
The CCJ Centering Justice project, the National Conference of State Legislatures, and the Future Caucus discussed the state legislative landscape for criminal justice in 2026 and prospects for policie...
counciloncj.org
February 4, 2026 at 6:38 PM
What does the state legislative landscape look like in 2026?
The CCJ Centering Justice initiative discussed this question with @ncslorg.bsky.social's Sarah Brown, Future Caucus' Paige Ferguson, & State Reps. Kanani Souza (R-HI) and @kadyn-wittman.bsky.social (D-SD). counciloncj.org/event-record...
The CCJ Centering Justice initiative discussed this question with @ncslorg.bsky.social's Sarah Brown, Future Caucus' Paige Ferguson, & State Reps. Kanani Souza (R-HI) and @kadyn-wittman.bsky.social (D-SD). counciloncj.org/event-record...
During CCJ's webinar on the potential forces driving the recent crime decline, CCJ member @dralexpiquero.bsky.social highlighted data & evidence showing that immigrants commit fewer violent crimes than their native-born counterparts, despite widespread misconceptions: counciloncj.org/event-record...
February 3, 2026 at 6:23 PM
During CCJ's webinar on the potential forces driving the recent crime decline, CCJ member @dralexpiquero.bsky.social highlighted data & evidence showing that immigrants commit fewer violent crimes than their native-born counterparts, despite widespread misconceptions: counciloncj.org/event-record...
In a rare bipartisan move, Congress recently provided $4m of funding to create a national center to help veterans ensnared in the criminal justice system, a recommendation made by the CCJ Veterans Justice Commission. Read more from @militarydotcom.bsky.social: www.military.com/daily-news/i...
Congress Passes Bill to Fund National Center to Help Justice-Involved Veterans
A recent bipartisan bill passed to build a hub to help veterans struggling to stay out of the justice system.
www.military.com
February 2, 2026 at 8:23 PM
In a rare bipartisan move, Congress recently provided $4m of funding to create a national center to help veterans ensnared in the criminal justice system, a recommendation made by the CCJ Veterans Justice Commission. Read more from @militarydotcom.bsky.social: www.military.com/daily-news/i...
T-minus 1⃣ day: Register at the link below and join us for tomorrow's conversation!
Join the CCJ Centering Justice project, @ncslorg.bsky.social, and the Future Caucus for an overview of the state legislative landscape for criminal justice in 2026 and prospects for policies that are based on solid evidence and can win bipartisan support. events.zoom.us/ev/AizHHiJd4...
February 2, 2026 at 6:24 PM
T-minus 1⃣ day: Register at the link below and join us for tomorrow's conversation!
ICYMI: Register and join us next Tuesday for a discussion on the state of criminal justice legislation in 2026. Visit the link below to sign up. ⬇️
Join the CCJ Centering Justice project, @ncslorg.bsky.social, and the Future Caucus for an overview of the state legislative landscape for criminal justice in 2026 and prospects for policies that are based on solid evidence and can win bipartisan support. events.zoom.us/ev/AizHHiJd4...
January 30, 2026 at 6:09 PM
ICYMI: Register and join us next Tuesday for a discussion on the state of criminal justice legislation in 2026. Visit the link below to sign up. ⬇️
Homicide has dropped sharply for three straight years—potentially to the lowest level in a century. What’s driving the decline? We asked leading experts what may be behind this historic shift. Here’s what they said ⬇️
January 29, 2026 at 9:04 PM
Homicide has dropped sharply for three straight years—potentially to the lowest level in a century. What’s driving the decline? We asked leading experts what may be behind this historic shift. Here’s what they said ⬇️
Did the tactics used by federal agents in Minneapolis violate modern policing guidelines? Could the situation have been avoided by adhering to these guidelines? CCJ Senior Fellow Thaddeus Johnson shared his perspective, alongside other policing experts, with @washingtonpost.com.
The Post spoke with eight policing experts who pointed to a sequence of actions by federal immigration officers that go against training guidelines designed to de-escalate potentially volatile situations.
Five moments in the Alex Pretti shooting that raise red flags for policing experts
Policing experts were unanimous in saying that the situation probably could have been avoided by employing basic policing tactics that prioritize public safety and communication.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 29, 2026 at 5:28 PM
Did the tactics used by federal agents in Minneapolis violate modern policing guidelines? Could the situation have been avoided by adhering to these guidelines? CCJ Senior Fellow Thaddeus Johnson shared his perspective, alongside other policing experts, with @washingtonpost.com.
What’s driving the crime decline? Is it criminal justice policies? Technology? Broader cultural trends?
CCJ explored these questions w/ Thaddeus Johnson, @charlesflehman.bsky.social, Ernesto Lopez, @ProfEmilyOwens, @dralexpiquero.bsky.social, & @abgelb.bsky.social: counciloncj.org/event-record...
CCJ explored these questions w/ Thaddeus Johnson, @charlesflehman.bsky.social, Ernesto Lopez, @ProfEmilyOwens, @dralexpiquero.bsky.social, & @abgelb.bsky.social: counciloncj.org/event-record...
January 28, 2026 at 5:00 PM
What’s driving the crime decline? Is it criminal justice policies? Technology? Broader cultural trends?
CCJ explored these questions w/ Thaddeus Johnson, @charlesflehman.bsky.social, Ernesto Lopez, @ProfEmilyOwens, @dralexpiquero.bsky.social, & @abgelb.bsky.social: counciloncj.org/event-record...
CCJ explored these questions w/ Thaddeus Johnson, @charlesflehman.bsky.social, Ernesto Lopez, @ProfEmilyOwens, @dralexpiquero.bsky.social, & @abgelb.bsky.social: counciloncj.org/event-record...
Join the CCJ Centering Justice project, @ncslorg.bsky.social, and the Future Caucus for an overview of the state legislative landscape for criminal justice in 2026 and prospects for policies that are based on solid evidence and can win bipartisan support. events.zoom.us/ev/AizHHiJd4...
January 27, 2026 at 7:13 PM
Join the CCJ Centering Justice project, @ncslorg.bsky.social, and the Future Caucus for an overview of the state legislative landscape for criminal justice in 2026 and prospects for policies that are based on solid evidence and can win bipartisan support. events.zoom.us/ev/AizHHiJd4...
T-minus 1️⃣ hour: Register soon to join today's webinar on what's behind the historical decline in violent crime. Sign up at the link below.
What's behind the historical drop in violent crime? Join us 1/27 at 12pm ET for a CCJ webinar ft. Thaddeus Johnson, @charlesflehman.bsky.social, Ernesto Lopez, @ProfEmilyOwens, @dralexpiquero.bsky.social, & @abgelb.bsky.social to discuss common & controversial claims. events.zoom.us/ev/AqOePW3gi...
What’s Driving the Crime Decline?
events.zoom.us
January 27, 2026 at 4:17 PM
T-minus 1️⃣ hour: Register soon to join today's webinar on what's behind the historical decline in violent crime. Sign up at the link below.
Why are crime rates falling across the U.S.? CCJ President and CEO @abgelb.bsky.social explained to @time.com that the answer is more complex than some may say: “We see very confident claims of credit in abundance, but scarce hard evidence to back them up.” time.com/7357500/crim...
Why Crime Rates Are Falling Across the U.S.
Trump has taken credit for reducing crime. But a steady, years-long decline began before his reelection.
time.com
January 27, 2026 at 4:14 PM
Why are crime rates falling across the U.S.? CCJ President and CEO @abgelb.bsky.social explained to @time.com that the answer is more complex than some may say: “We see very confident claims of credit in abundance, but scarce hard evidence to back them up.” time.com/7357500/crim...
ICYMI: Don't forget to sign up for tomorrow's webinar exploring the historical drop in violent crime. Register at the link below ⬇️
January 26, 2026 at 5:20 PM
ICYMI: Don't forget to sign up for tomorrow's webinar exploring the historical drop in violent crime. Register at the link below ⬇️
Congress has authorized $4 million for a new national center dedicated to improving outcomes for military veterans who become involved in the criminal justice system. The funds are included in the budget for the Department of Justice, signed Friday by President Trump: counciloncj.org/congress-fun...
Congress Funds New Center to Identify and Replicate Best Practices to Improve Outcomes for Justice-Involved Veterans
Establishment of a national center follows a recommendation by the nonpartisan Council on Criminal Justice Veterans Justice Commission
counciloncj.org
January 26, 2026 at 5:07 PM
Congress has authorized $4 million for a new national center dedicated to improving outcomes for military veterans who become involved in the criminal justice system. The funds are included in the budget for the Department of Justice, signed Friday by President Trump: counciloncj.org/congress-fun...
Reposted by Council on Criminal Justice
It’s looking likely that 2025 may have had the lowest homicide rate in OVER A CENTURY.
Perhaps since 1900.
An absolutely staggering decline, and a huge—and for now poorly-understood—policy success.
Perhaps since 1900.
An absolutely staggering decline, and a huge—and for now poorly-understood—policy success.
U.S. murder rate hits lowest level since 1900, report says
Murders fell 21% in 2025 — the sharpest one-year decline ever tracked.
www.axios.com
January 22, 2026 at 3:41 PM
It’s looking likely that 2025 may have had the lowest homicide rate in OVER A CENTURY.
Perhaps since 1900.
An absolutely staggering decline, and a huge—and for now poorly-understood—policy success.
Perhaps since 1900.
An absolutely staggering decline, and a huge—and for now poorly-understood—policy success.
Reposted by Council on Criminal Justice
Murders plummeted more than 20% from the year before, the single-largest one-year drop on record — and 2025's might be the lowest murder rate in the U.S. since 1900, a new study found.
Murders plummeted more than 20% in U.S. last year, the largest drop on record, study shows
The 2025 national homicide rate might be the lowest recorded in the U.S. since 1900.
cbsn.ws
January 22, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Murders plummeted more than 20% from the year before, the single-largest one-year drop on record — and 2025's might be the lowest murder rate in the U.S. since 1900, a new study found.
Reposted by Council on Criminal Justice
Violence in the U.S. has been falling for several years. Last year will likely register the lowest national homicide rate in 125 years and the largest single-year drop on record, according to a new analysis of 2025 crime data.
Murder Rate Drops to Lowest Level Since at Least 1900, New Report Says
A decline in homicides across the country was a stunning reversal after crime rose during the pandemic.
nyti.ms
January 22, 2026 at 3:30 PM
Violence in the U.S. has been falling for several years. Last year will likely register the lowest national homicide rate in 125 years and the largest single-year drop on record, according to a new analysis of 2025 crime data.
OUT TODAY: New CCJ report finds crime rates continued to fall in 2025. With homicides down 21%, the 2025 homicide rate may reach its lowest level in more than a century. Explore the full analysis of crime trends in 40 U.S. cities: counciloncj.org/crime-trends...
January 22, 2026 at 3:36 PM
OUT TODAY: New CCJ report finds crime rates continued to fall in 2025. With homicides down 21%, the 2025 homicide rate may reach its lowest level in more than a century. Explore the full analysis of crime trends in 40 U.S. cities: counciloncj.org/crime-trends...
What's behind the historical drop in violent crime? Join us 1/27 at 12pm ET for a CCJ webinar ft. Thaddeus Johnson, @charlesflehman.bsky.social, Ernesto Lopez, @ProfEmilyOwens, @dralexpiquero.bsky.social, & @abgelb.bsky.social to discuss common & controversial claims. events.zoom.us/ev/AqOePW3gi...
What’s Driving the Crime Decline?
events.zoom.us
January 21, 2026 at 7:26 PM
What's behind the historical drop in violent crime? Join us 1/27 at 12pm ET for a CCJ webinar ft. Thaddeus Johnson, @charlesflehman.bsky.social, Ernesto Lopez, @ProfEmilyOwens, @dralexpiquero.bsky.social, & @abgelb.bsky.social to discuss common & controversial claims. events.zoom.us/ev/AqOePW3gi...
In the aftermath of the ICE shootings in Minneapolis, what steps must federal investigators take to ensure transparency, build trust, and deliver justice? A perspective co-authored by CCJ Senior Fellow Thaddeus Johnson for @newsweek.com
www.newsweek.com/when-federal...
www.newsweek.com/when-federal...
When federal power turns deadly, start sharing evidence | Opinion
The public needs transparency and compassion in the wake of incidents like those in Minneapolis.
www.newsweek.com
January 20, 2026 at 4:43 PM
In the aftermath of the ICE shootings in Minneapolis, what steps must federal investigators take to ensure transparency, build trust, and deliver justice? A perspective co-authored by CCJ Senior Fellow Thaddeus Johnson for @newsweek.com
www.newsweek.com/when-federal...
www.newsweek.com/when-federal...
The ICE shooting in Minneapolis would typically trigger a joint investigation between federal and local law enforcement. Failing to cooperate in this instance fuels distrust and skepticism of the process, CCJ Senior Fellow Thaddeus Johnson tells @npr.org.
www.npr.org/2026/01/14/n...
www.npr.org/2026/01/14/n...
How the feud between Trump and Minnesota is impacting the probe into the ICE shooting
The FBI is solely leading the inquiry into the killing of Renee Macklin Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross without help from Minnesota authorities. Legal experts explain why the move is unusual and why j...
www.npr.org
January 15, 2026 at 9:54 PM
The ICE shooting in Minneapolis would typically trigger a joint investigation between federal and local law enforcement. Failing to cooperate in this instance fuels distrust and skepticism of the process, CCJ Senior Fellow Thaddeus Johnson tells @npr.org.
www.npr.org/2026/01/14/n...
www.npr.org/2026/01/14/n...
Following the controversy over ICE actions in Minneapolis, the Council's Task Force on Policing resources offer clear, research-based guidance on police training effectiveness, de-escalation & procedural justice, qualified immunity, and officer wellness. policing.counciloncj.org/assessing-th...
Policy Assessments - Assessing the Evidence
The latest on measures to prevent excessive use of force, reduce racial bias, increase accountability, and improve relations between police and communities.
policing.counciloncj.org
January 15, 2026 at 6:52 PM
Following the controversy over ICE actions in Minneapolis, the Council's Task Force on Policing resources offer clear, research-based guidance on police training effectiveness, de-escalation & procedural justice, qualified immunity, and officer wellness. policing.counciloncj.org/assessing-th...
This month’s spotlighted member is Steve Derene, former executive director and co-founder of the National Association of VOCA Assistance Administrators. Watch the full interview at: youtu.be/kzmvYqULCW8?...
UpClose With Steve Derene
YouTube video by Council on Criminal Justice
youtu.be
January 14, 2026 at 8:32 PM
This month’s spotlighted member is Steve Derene, former executive director and co-founder of the National Association of VOCA Assistance Administrators. Watch the full interview at: youtu.be/kzmvYqULCW8?...
The American Legislative Exchange Council has adopted a Model Survivor Justice Act, aligned with a key recommendation of the Council on Criminal Justice Women’s Justice Commission. alec.org/model-policy...
Survivor Justice Act - American Legislative Exchange Council
Section 1. Short Title This Act shall be known and may be cited as the “Survivor Justice Act.” Section 2. Purpose and Findings (a) Findings. The legislature finds that: (1) In many criminal prosec...
alec.org
January 13, 2026 at 5:33 PM
The American Legislative Exchange Council has adopted a Model Survivor Justice Act, aligned with a key recommendation of the Council on Criminal Justice Women’s Justice Commission. alec.org/model-policy...
Did the officer believe there was an imminent threat? Were there alternatives to deadly force? What role did the officer's training and tactics play? CCJ Senior Fellow Thaddeus Johnson and CCJ members Gil Kerlikowske and Sean Smoot shared their perspectives with @washingtonpost.com.
The fatal shooting of Renée Good in Minneapolis has prompted new scrutiny of the tactics and training for the thousands of ICE officers deployed across the country as part of the Trump administration’s mass deportation effort.
ICE tactics and training under scrutiny after Minneapolis shooting
The shooting is fueling new scrutiny and questions about ICE’s tactics, training and preparations for street-level encounters across the country.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 12, 2026 at 8:25 PM
Did the officer believe there was an imminent threat? Were there alternatives to deadly force? What role did the officer's training and tactics play? CCJ Senior Fellow Thaddeus Johnson and CCJ members Gil Kerlikowske and Sean Smoot shared their perspectives with @washingtonpost.com.