Criminal Justice and Public Safety
Established in 2017, the binational Midwestern Legislative Conference Criminal Justice & Public Safety Committee explores a range of issues, including: sentencing reform; strategies to reduce recidivism; the role and use of specialty courts; alternatives to incarceration; police and community relations; victims’ rights; and more. Legislators from the Midwestern states and four Canadian provinces serve on the MLC Criminal Justice & Public Safety Committee.
Committee activities include ongoing policy research, webinars and in-person meetings. The committee officers for 2023-2024 are Nebraska Sen. John Cavanaugh and Wisconsin Sen. Jesse James (co-chairs) and Ohio Sen. Michele Reynolds (vice chair). Legislators from the Midwestern states and four Canadian provinces serve on the committee. The CSG Midwest staff liaison for the committee is Laura Kliewer.
The MLC Criminal Justice & Public Safety Committee last met and led sessions at the 2024 Midwestern Legislative Conference Annual Meeting in Columbus, Ohio.
2024 committee meeting: Information and resources
- “How Data, Evidence-Based Policy and Legislative Oversight Can Drive Improvements to State Criminal Justice Systems” | Ben Eikey, Manager for State Training & Development, Levin Center for Oversight & Democracy, Wayne State University, and Laura van der Lugt, Deputy Program Director of State Initiatives, CSG Justice Center »
- “Adult Violent Crime & Accountability Trends” | Madeleine Dardeau, Deputy Program Director, CSG Justice Center »
- “Navigating Youth Crime, Violence and Behavioral Health: What Does the Data Say? Three Facts to Know, Three Steps to Take” | Josh Weber, Deputy Program Director, CSG Justice Center »
- Stateline Midwest article on “Youth Arrests and Violent Crime Are Down, But Other Trends Point to Need for New Policy Approaches” »
- Agenda »
The MLC Criminal Justice & Public Safety Committee meets at least once a year as part of the MLC Annual Meeting, most recently in Columbus in 2024 and Detroit in 2023. It also regularly holds webinars and conducts policy research for the Midwest’s state and provincial legislators.
The laws and policies that impact the legal rights and representation of youths in child welfare systems vary considerably. Participants in this web event will learn about these differences, how they impact the lives of young people, and new laws and promising practices in the states.
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During this webinar, participants will learn how states can build partnerships with local communities and leaders to provide comprehensive services to adolescents that help lower incidences of violence. Hear an overview of why these plans are important for states to consider developing, what such strategies could look like, and lessons learned from Midwestern states.
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The MLC Criminal Justice & Public Safety Committee last met and led sessions at the 2024 Midwestern…
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Open to all, this webinar gave participants the opportunity to explore innovative strategies and programs to improve responses for people with mental health needs in the criminal justice system.
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An event for all legislators from the region's states and provinces
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In conjunction with the 77th Annual Meeting of the Midwestern Legislative Conference (MLC), the MLC Criminal Justice &…
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An event for all legislators from the region's states and provinces
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The Midwestern Legislative Conference Criminal Justice & Public Safety Committee met in July in Wichita, Kan., in conjunction…
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