NCJ Number
246829
Date Published
May 2014
Length
5 pages
Annotation
In order to facilitate a community- engagement strategy for a justice system, this fact sheet promotes the creation of a community advisory board (CAB) and guides justice practitioners in creating one.
Abstract
A CAB provides residents with ongoing access for expressing their grievances and ideas about how the process and outcomes for public safety can be improved. For justice practitioners, the board provides a mechanism for assessing public attitudes and bringing information to the public about the priorities, strategies, and outcomes of the justice system. This fact sheet on CABs is based on a survey of 20 small, mid-sized, and large jurisdictions across the Nation that are currently using CABs. The first preliminary step for justice system administrators is to decide whether a CAB is the best way to engage the community, or whether another method of community outreach would be more appropriate. Next, determine whether the potential coordinating agency is prepared to dedicate the time required to operate a successful CAB. Then, it must be determined whether the coordinating agency can balance the differing views, interests, skills, and commitment levels of community residents with the needs and limitations of the justice system. If it is determined that the need, commitment, and skills necessary to create and sustain a CAB exists, the first step in creating a CAB is to develop clear goals. Some goals CABs across the Nation have adopted are outlined. Suggestions are then offered for the next step, i.e., deciding who will compose the members of the CAB. A series of questions are then posed and answered regarding the third step of designing the format for the CAB's operation. Some examples of CAB accomplishments are described. 4 suggestions for further reading