Council on Criminal Justice

OUT TODAY: CCJ’s mid-year 2024 crime trends report shows that homicide and most other violent crimes have dropped to pre-pandemic levels in a sample of U.S. cities. The report is the 13th the Council has produced since mid-2020. Explore the full analysis by Ernesto Lopez and Bobby Boxerman: https://lnkd.in/gGaqwuSd   In addition to the longer-term trends, the study also documented declines for 11 of 12 crime types in the first six months of this year compared to the first half of 2023. Homicides were 13% lower, representing 319 fewer lives lost in the 29 cities providing data for that crime. Nineteen of those cities recorded decreases in homicide, ranging from a drop of 71% in Chandler, AZ, to an 8% decline in Austin. Nine cities experienced increases, ranging from 5% in St. Louis to 26% in Buffalo.    Motor vehicle theft, a crime that had risen sharply since mid-2020, reversed its trend this year, dropping 18%. But shoplifting (+24%) was a different story. A crime that has received extensive attention from the media and policymakers, reported shoplifting incidents increased by 24% in 23 study cities during the first six months of 2024 compared to the same period last year. It’s unclear how much of the change may reflect an actual rise in incidents or increased reporting of incidents to law enforcement.     Said CCJ Senior Research Specialist Ernesto Lopez: “Especially with homicide, the continuing downward trends are heartening, as every killing prevented is a life saved. But crime is heavily influenced by local factors, and many U.S. cities continue to face high levels of violence.”    CCJ President and CEO Adam Gelb noted the encouraging trends while emphasizing the need for “policymakers and community leaders [to] accelerate the momentum by doubling down on crime-prevention strategies that are backed by evidence and are delivering measurable results.”   The Council also released four new factsheets spotlighting trends in assault, burglary, larceny, and robbery. Check out these data-based snapshots and more crime trends research at: https://lnkd.in/gMypPkX2   The mid-year crime trends, as well as recent recommendations to improve the nation’s crime data infrastructure from CCJ’s Crime Trends Working Group, will be discussed at a live web event today, July 25, at 12ET: https://lnkd.in/gX9MPxdt

In honor of American Artist Appreciation Month, CCJ salutes New Mexico artist Sheri Crider and the design team at Oregon Corrections Enterprises for the tremendous creativity and dedication they bring to their work. We are delighted to feature your inspirational art through our projects.

Thanks, Governing, for featuring our research on police unions, police pay, and fatal police encounters. Natasha N. Johnson, EdD Georgia State University - Andrew Young School of Policy Studies https://lnkd.in/dt7S4Be7

CCJ thanks guest panelists Charis Kubrin, Ph.D., Dara Lind, and Ken Cuccinelli as well as Centering Justice hosts Khalil A. Cumberbatch and Marc Levin for today’s conversation on immigration and crime. We appreciate those who attended; stay tuned for a recording and event writeup. Learn more at:  https://lnkd.in/gXyJ-wdk

How does immigration influence crime rates in the U.S.? How do immigration policies affect perceptions of safety? What additional research would help inform policies on immigration and crime? Join the Council on Criminal Justice’s Centering Justice initiative for a discussion with leading experts representing varied perspectives on one of the central issues of the 2024 election.

⏰ T-minus 2 hours until our LinkedIn audio discussion with CCJ's Centering Justice initiative and other leading experts!

CCJ's Veterans Justice Commission is in the homestretch of its effort to figure out why so many former service members wind up behind bars - and what we should do about it. Last week the commission gathered for two days in California, beginning with a meeting graciously hosted by LinkedIn at its campus in Sunnyvale. On Thursday commissioners traveled to San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, where they met with incarcerated veterans who are members of Veterans Healing Veterans From the Inside Out, a peer support and mentoring group. The men, whose service ranged from Vietnam to conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, shared a series of powerful stories about the lack of support they received as they transitioned back to civilian society and their struggle to find jobs, obtain veterans benefits, and reintegrate with family while coping with combat-related trauma. One veteran who enlisted in the U.S. Army at age 17 and was deployed to Iraq in 2004, 2006, and 2007 said he attempted suicide during his service because of anxiety, depression, and substance use. “I don’t think I really wanted to end my life,” he said, “but I didn’t know how to ask for help.” Another veteran described the challenge of returning home from service: “I just couldn’t find my place in society, and I really missed the structure and camaraderie of the military when I got home. I didn’t know how to deal with everything I was feeling or where to turn for help.” Commission Director Jim D. Seward said the San Quentin visit provided a vivid illustration of the problems the panel is working to address: “Too many veterans are ending up in our criminal justice system, and while they must be held accountable for their behavior, our country has a responsibility to honor their service and help them address the factors that often drive them to break the law.” Keep an eye out for the commission’s final recommendations – coming soon! https://lnkd.in/g2zEkxzJ Lindsey Kirchhoff, Olivia McLarnan, Pelicia E Hall, Mark Inch, Carla Bugg, CORRECTIONS & REHABILITATION, CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF

It was great to meet former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta. He and others from the Veteran Justice Commission were at our offices earlier this week to discuss how to provide meaningful employment opportunities to veterans and military spouses, including those who may have criminal backgrounds. Fun fact: I jokingly suggested a Lil Jon-style entrance for his DNC speech last night, which Secretary Panetta enjoyed (but sadly did not follow). 😁 #Veterans #EmploymentOpportunities

It was an honor to host the Council on Criminal Justice and their esteemed Veteran Justice Commission (VJC) in LinkedIn’s HQ’s Community Space last week. VJC’s mission to advocate for and support justice-involved members of the military community aligns perfectly with LinkedIn's values. This collaboration underscores our commitment to supporting the military community and ensuring their success during and after their military service. Thank you to everyone involved in making this event possible. A big thank you to former US Defense Secretary, Leon Panetta, Jim D. Seward, and the entire VJC Commission for joining us. It was incredible to hear the challenges you’re tackling, and we look forward to helping along the way. A special thank you to Cristian King and Gina Seith for planning and executing a flawless event, Blake Lawit for joining us and supporting the cause, and to Kavell Brown for sharing the important work you’re doing at LinkedIn to support the justice-impacted community. Looking forward to hosting VJC again next year and amplifying their impactful work!

Will you be joining CCJ's Centering Justice initiative tomorrow for this conversation on immigration and crime? Sign up below to be a part of a discussion that you won't want to miss.