Petersburg is one of six local sites in Virginia selected to participate in Phase V of the National Institute of Corrections (NIC), Evidence-Based Decision Making Initiative announced by Governor Terry McAuliffe. The initiative represents the methodology of criminal justice practitioners using data and research to inform and guide decision making across the justice system.
The NIC announced the criminal justice Framework for the Evidence-Based Decision Making Initiative in 2010 after years of extensive research and contributions from experts across the Nation. The initiative is designed to enhance collaboration, articulate guiding principles and introduce a process for decision making to further enhance public safety.
Petersburg City Chief of Police and chair of the committee, John I. Dixon, III, is leading the effort in collaboration with multiple judges, representatives from the commonwealth’s attorney office, the public defender’s office, local community corrections, state probation, magistrates, the community services board and other stakeholders.
A nationally recognized technical assistance provider from the Center for Effective Public Policy will meet with city officials and other stakeholders monthly to provide training and assistance in the implementation of the initiative. The first meeting was held in Petersburg on Monday, April 6.
Local sites in Virginia, Wisconsin, and Indiana will receive support from NIC over the next twelve months for Phase V of the initiative.