Everything You Need to Know About National Criminal Justice Month

Every March, Criminal Justice Services professionals come together to bring awareness to crime - preventing it, causes of it, and policies that address it. Join us as we discuss National Criminal Justice Month!

How It Started

In 2009, professionals at the Academy of Criminal Justice Services advocated for the creation of National Criminal Justice Month. Because of the widespread interaction of criminal justice professionals and services with individuals across the United States, state actors worked together to create the awareness month. By March of 2009, the resolution had passed the House without any disagreement.

Why Its Needed

Even though crime rates have decreased over the past few decades, public perceptions lean towards believing crime rates are increasing. This perception, as well as the current state of certain criminal justice policies, has led to a desire to dedicate an entire month to focusing on criminal justice services. From reforming victim services to civil forfeiture and mandatory minimum policies, National Criminal Justice Month serves to provide a month-long, nation-wide platform for these issues.

What You Can Do

One of the best things about NCJM is that you can get involved. Here are some things you can do to show your support during March!

• Thank an Officer: Write up some thank-you notes for the LEOs in your community. You can either make them yourself, buy some with a blank inside or print them off the internet! If you’re feeling adventurous, include a small ‘Thank You’ basket filled with some snacks and toiletries for them to use on the road while they patrol.

• Get Involved with a Grassroots Organization: Much of the public wants criminal justice reform on a variety of policies. This includes local, state and federal criminal and civil policies. Look into local reputable grassroots organizations that advocate for reform on issues you care about, then consider joining one of them! This is a great way to understand how changes to policies actually work.

• Volunteer at Your Local Victim Services Organization: Victim Services will always need volunteers. From answering phones to attending court proceedings, you can do so many different things in the office. Some might ask you to assist with data entry, filing or other administrative tasks, but others might ask for more interactive duties, such as sitting with victims during court, filing VVF applications and more.

• Volunteer at a Crisis Center: Your local Victim Services organization that’s located in the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office or in your local LEO precinct is a system-based advocacy program. Crisis Centers, IPV Shelters and other non-profits are community-based advocacy programs. They work on the ground level to provide specialized services to victims - and they’re always in need of volunteers, too! Volunteering at a local crisis center will give you an up-close and personal understanding of what services are provided to victims of crime.

• Donate to Your Local Crisis Centers: If you’re part of a bible study, book club or other extra curricular, you should consider gathering donations for your local crisis centers! Most of them are grant based, so they don’t always have the extra funds to bring in needed office supplies or create emergency kits to give their clients. Reach out to your local crisis centers and ask them for what they need - most of them will also have their needed donations listed on their websites, too!

National Criminal Justice Month is a great time to get involved in criminal justice and show your support for the professionals who work in criminal justice services every day. It’s purpose is highly meaningful to millions of people, so get out there and help make positive change this National Criminal Justice Month!