Criminal justice system collaboration seeks to overcome the limitations of traditional, non-systemic approaches to criminal justice problem solving and solution development by bringing together stakeholders to share information, work toward the development of common goals, and jointly create policies to support those goals. Stakeholders are defined as those who influence and have an investment in the justice system’s outcomes.
Collaboration: A Training Curriculum to Enhance the Effectiveness of Criminal Justice Teams

“Who is at the table” is likely the most important component of successful collaboration. “Stakeholders” are those who have a vested interest in justice system processes and outcomes. There are many different ways to categorize stakeholders and identify them by completing a stakeholder analysis. It is important not only to have the right organizations at the table, but also the right representatives from those organizations. Additionally, it is important to include representatives from all involved jurisdictions within the geographical areas. 

Being Inclusive and Diverse

In his book, The Wisdom of Crowds: Why the Many are Smarter than the Few, James Surowieke (2004) explains that large groups of people are smarter than an elite few, no matter how brilliant they are.  Larger groups are better at solving problems, fostering innovation, coming to wise decisions, and even predicting the future.  While there is much debate among his critics, there is consensus that adding independent, diverse opinions to the discussion has a number of benefits.  Engaging a wider group of participants, not only brings more ideas and varied perspectives to the table, but it also increases buy-in and support for the group's efforts. Diversity and inclusion are opportunities to create connections among diverse groups who might not otherwise interact and they foster an in increases awareness about system issues and responses.

Many CJCCs have recognized the need to engage a broader group of stakeholders, beyond the traditional justice system actors, to address justice system problems.  Many choose to include civil rights leaders, the League of Women Voters, and faith leaders, just to name a few, to participate on the CJCC.  Many, also, include those affected by the criminal justice system, e.g. family members of justice involved/returning citizens, in CJCC discussions. Members from the broader community can provide valuable input and help ensure that strategies are on target and ultimately successful.  

The most effective Councils build a culture of trust, candor, and respect, none of which is possible without a culture of inclusion. CJCCs that cultivate an inclusive culture ensure that all members are encouraged to bring their perspectives, identity, and life experience to their service. An inclusive CJCC culture welcomes and celebrates differences and ensures that all members are equally engaged and invested, sharing power, and responsibility to achieve the organization’s mission and the council’s work.

CJCCs play a critical role in helping organizations understand the context in which they work and how best to prioritize resources and strategies based on that reality. An awareness of how systemic inequities have affected our society, and particularly the criminal justice system, enables the CJCC to avoid blind spots that can lead to flawed strategies. It can create powerful opportunities to deepen the council’s effectiveness, relevance, and advancement of the public good.

The insight gained from people who have experienced the system and services is invaluable. The process to include non-traditional partners at the table should be thoughtful and intentional to ensure that both traditional and non-justice partners are comfortable. It is imperative that your transition to include new stakeholders be successful the first time, so that it is a positive experience for everyone.

Examples of non-justice partners include but are not limited to:

1. Justice involved individuals and their family members
2. Victim Advocacy representatives

   Also you can include representatives from these groups:

1. Business community
2. Faith community
3. Health department
4. Hospitals
5. Behavioral and Mental Health Providers
6. NAACP Chapters

Tips for including non-justice partners in your CJCC:

1. Ensure transparency and support among existing council members if this is a new addition
2. Create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere so non-traditional partners feel they have a voice at the table
3. Formalize voting rights to show equity and support