Lessons Learned and Future Directions: Funding and Implementing a Transformative Criminal Justice Investment Initiative

• In Event: Transforming the Justice System: A Collaborative Approach to Improve Public Safety and Increase Fairness and Efficiency

Abstract

The Criminal Justice Investment Initiative (CJII) was established by the District Attorney of New York County (DANY) to invest approximately $250 million of criminal asset forfeiture funds to improve public safety, develop broad crime prevention efforts, and promote a fairer, more efficient justice system. Four focus areas were identified, including youth, family, and communities; justice response for young adults; diversion and reentry support; and victims of crime. Since early 2016, DANY has invested in projects and programs within these four areas. For instance, in September 2015 DANY announced a nationwide campaign to eliminate a backlog of rape kit processing, and in January 2016 DANY, City University of New York’s Institute for State and Local Governance, and the Governor’s Office of New York announced an effort to provide college programming in NY state prisons and an accompanying independent evaluation. This paper discusses challenges encountered in the implementation of CJII and how they have been addressed, including processes for decision making and strategies for communication; as well as implementation of specific investments as part of CJII and how they can inform other criminal justice investments. This paper also discusses future funding and evaluation opportunities as part of this initiative.

Authors

• Theresa Sgobba, City University of New York, Institute for State and Local Governance

• Siobhán Carney, City University of New York, Institute for State and Local Governance