The criminal justice community in the Commonwealth of Virginia has experienced a number of challenges over the past year. In 2007 the tragic events at Virginia Tech brought new urgency to the need to create safer campuses and schools. We also struggled to balance the privacy rights of individuals while providing for the public’s safety, debated the role of state and local law enforcement in dealing with illegal immigration, worked to address concerns about disproportionate minority contact with the juvenile justice system, and looked for ways to improve victim services, prisoner re-entry programs, and information sharing. These and many other issues confronting the criminal justice system make it clear that the criminal justice community carries a tremendous responsibility.
In the years to come, priorities will certainly change and new issues will capture the attention of the public and policy makers. The impetus for a change in focus may come from tragedies, perceived mismanagements, reports of program failures, or ethical mistakes. As public servants we will always be faced with these types of challenges; but we must never let them obscure the impact of crime on victims and their families, and our responsibility to continuously address incidents that threaten our communities’ safety. more...
Highlights
DCJS to Develop a Statewide Criminal Justice System Plan
The Code of Virginia (§9.1-102, paragraph 25) charges the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) with developing a comprehensive plan to strengthen law enforcement and the administration of criminal justice throughout the Commonwealth. This plan is also to be updated periodically. more...Regional Crime Trends in Virginia 2002-2006
What are the crime trends in different parts of Virginia, and how do the regional trends compare to the statewide trend?As part of our work to develop a statewide Criminal Justice Plan, DCJS reviewed data on reported crimes and arrests for the state as a whole as well as for eight regions of Virginia (see map). The eight regions were defined by the Council on Virginia’s Future (www.future.virginia.gov) based on criteria such as geographic proximity and economic and social connectedness. more...
Culture of Preparedness
TRUE or FALSE?- Suicide bombers are single males, without any family responsibility.
- Doppler radar will always allow for plenty of advance warning of an approaching tornado.
Justice Assistance Grant Funds Available
DCJS is inviting grant applications for funding new projects through the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program (JAG). Grant guidelines and application instructions are available on our website, www.dcjs.virginia.gov.Grant applications will be considered for new projects in the following areas: more...
Governor's Commission on Sexual Violence
Governor Timothy M. Kaine established the Governor’s Commission on Sexual Violence in October 2006, with Executive Order 38. The 38 member Commission was co-chaired by Secretary of Public Safety John W. Marshall and Secretary of Health and Human Resources, Marilyn Tavenner. The first meeting was held on November 30, 2006, and the final meeting was held on September 27, 2007. The full Commission met three times during the year and identified the following issues of concern. more...SPOTLIGHT: The Certified Crime Prevention Community Program
In 1998, Governor Gilmore created the New Partnership Commission for Community Safety, to advise him on new initiatives to “promote community safety, particularly youth and family safety.” The Commission asked DCJS to recommend programs that foster the development of community safety initiatives at the local level. DCJS proposed, and the Commission approved, the Certified Crime Prevention Community Program. The goal of the program is to publicly recognize and certify localities that have demonstrated a commitment to safety by meeting twelve required “core” elements and at least seven “optional” elements as part of a comprehensive community safety/crime prevention effort. more...The Third Annual Crisis Intervention Team Officer Awards Banquet Held in Radford
Secretary of Public Safety John Marshall was the featured speaker as the New River Valley Mental Health Association honored campus and local law enforcement officers at its awards banquet at Radford University. more...DCJS Announces the First Virginia Victim Assistance Academy
The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services is pleased to announce the launching of the very first Virginia Victim Assistance Academy to be held July 27 through August 1, 2008. The Academy will provide a 45-hour comprehensive, academic, interdisciplinaryand interactive training program for crime victim service providers, advocates, allied professionals and others who work with crime victims. The curriculum will provide a foundation of victims services and principles to enable participants to more effectively help crime victims regain control of their lives. more...2007 Agency Highlights
As part of the Department of Criminal Justice’s commitment to provide “comprehensive planning and state-of-the-art technical support services for the criminal justice system” the agency worked cooperatively with other criminal justice system entities on special initiatives during 2007. The following are several highlights: more...