DOJ Jails and Justice Support Center

With over 3,000 jails, 10.3 million admissions in 2019, and an average daily census of 734,500 across the United States, the successful administration of a jail facilities is a complex undertaking. This necessitates the highest level of professional standards, evidence-based practices, well-trained staff, and constitutionally-sound practices to ensure the health, safety, and wellbeing of residents, staff, and visitors. Jails face unique challenges, when compared to prisons, in that they have higher population turnover, a broader mix of residents, including sentenced and unsentenced residents, and fewer resources. The proposed project aims to support BJA and NIC is establishing the Department of Justice (DOJ) Jails and Justice Support Center (The Center) to serve as a resource for the field. The Center will serve as a central TTA hub by developing core competencies, standards, and model practices, as well as providing specialized training, expert assessments and consultation, peer learning, and professional development. The Center will complement the previously established DOJ Jails Support and Technical Assistance Workgroup and other existing TTA programs by providing jail facilities with information and resources to improve compliance with constitutional and legal requirements. CNA, in partnership with the National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA), the American Jail Association (AJA), the Major County Sheriffs’ Association (MCSA), and the National Association of Counties (NACo), will execute five coordinated activities under this program.

Project Establishment and Administration: Our team will establish and maintain the DOJ Jails and Justice Support Center to coordinate and prioritize corrections knowledge, policy, practices, and professionalization in service to jail administrations nationwide.
Advisory Group Development and Collaboration: Out team will identify a collaborative jail advisory group and conduct outreach to jails and corrections organizations. This advisory group will draw from DOJ’s Jails Support and Technical Assistance Work Group and include national stakeholders.
Resource and Training Development: Our team will create a searchable webpage that includes a variety of resources relevant to the field, including, but not limited to, model policies, core competencies, research on best practices, and trainings.
TTA Administration. We will conduct outreach to jails to build awareness for the Center and establish and maintain a TTA delivery program.
Dissemination of Resources and Lessons Learned: We will disseminate resources (such as fact sheets, checklists and webinars) and information about the center throughout our collective networks.