Using Local Innovation to Address Racial Disparities in Criminal Justice Programs

Hosted by The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center 

As communities across the country seek to implement effective criminal justice programs to enhance public safety and reduce recidivism, it is essential for local leaders to prioritize racial equity when developing, launching, and evaluating programs. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color are overrepresented in the criminal justice system, and they often do not receive equal access to criminal justice programs that can address their needs and improve successful outcomes. This discussion-based webinar, facilitated by the National League of Cities, will highlight local innovations in municipal criminal justice programs from Charlotte, North Carolina; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and St. Louis, Missouri. Participants will hear from local leaders about their successes and challenges in ensuring that race equity is embedded within comprehensive safety planning, violence interruption programs, and alternative/civilian response models. This webinar is intended for local stakeholders invested in launching programs at the intersection of criminal justice and behavioral health that address racial inequities and disparate outcomes. 

Speakers: 

• Taylor Crouch-Dodson, Program Manager, Office of Performance and Innovation, City of Minneapolis (speaker)
• Kirby Gaherty, Program Manager, Justice Initiatives, National League of Cities (moderator) 
• Tony McCright, Sr. Specialist, Justice Initiatives, National League of Cities (moderator) 
• Julia Martin, Assistant to the City Manager, City of Charlotte (speaker) 
• Federico Rios, Assistant Director, Housing and Neighborhood Services Department, City of Charlotte (speaker) 
• Gina Obiri, Program Manager, Office of Performance and Innovation, City of Minneapolis (speaker) 
• Wilford Pinkney, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Children, Youth, and Families for the City of St. Louis (speaker) 
• Dr. Jazmone Wilkerson, Project Manager, Behavioral Health, CSG Justice Center 

CSG Justice Center Staff: 

• Dr. Jazmone Wilkerson, Project Manager, Behavioral Health, CSG Justice Center 
• Felicia Lopez Wright, Senior Policy Analyst, Behavioral Health, CSG Justice Center