National Criminal Justice Association (NCJA)

National Criminal Justice Association (NCJA) NCJA represents state, tribal and local governments and practitioners on public safety & criminal justice issues

The NCJA is a national voice in shaping and implementing criminal justice policy since its founding in 1971. As the representative of state, tribal and local criminal and juvenile justice practitioners, the NCJA works to promote a balanced approach to communities' complex public safety and criminal and juvenile justice system problems. The NCJA recognizes the importance of interrelationships among

criminal and juvenile justice agencies and between these agencies and the community and the strong, steady advocacy necessary to achieve comprehensive planning and policy coordination goals. Guided by a 17-18 member Board of Directors, the NCJA serves as the formal mechanism for informing the Congress of state, tribal and local criminal and juvenile justice needs and accomplishments. Through collaboration with practitioners and policymakers, the NCJA also communicates state, tribal and local views on crime prevention and control to federal executive and other public and private agencies at all levels.

Last week, NCJA Executive Director, Chris Asplen, had the opportunity to present and moderate several presentations at N...
06/02/2026

Last week, NCJA Executive Director, Chris Asplen, had the opportunity to present and moderate several presentations at National Conference of State Legislatures’s Forensics Forum in Miami, FL, on behalf of the NCJA Center for Forensic DNA Policy and Practice.

The key to maximizing the potential of forensic DNA technology to save lives is for states to craft and pass legislation that fulfills its crime solving potential, while protecting the innocent and creating public trust. Thank you to NCSL, Arnold Ventures and most of all to the State Legislators who took time to attend, learn and carry important information back to their states.

Last month, NCJA staff Allison Badger and Elisa Nicoletti conducted a two day strategic planning retreat with the Dauphi...
05/19/2026

Last month, NCJA staff Allison Badger and Elisa Nicoletti conducted a two day strategic planning retreat with the Dauphin County, PA Criminal Justice Advisory Board (CJAB). During the retreat they worked on creating a four year strategic plan for the county. Thank you to those who joined us!

Thank you to everyone who attended this year’s Forum on Criminal Justice. We hope you found each day valuable and full o...
05/14/2026

Thank you to everyone who attended this year’s Forum on Criminal Justice. We hope you found each day valuable and full of conversation, learning, and connection. We loved seeing everyone connect and share ideas and interact virtually!

What was your favorite part of this year’s Forum? Let us know in the comments!

We look forward to seeing you next year!

05/07/2026

NCJA is proud to announce the launch of the NCJA Center for Forensic DNA Policy and Practice.

The new Center will help address critical challenges in the criminal justice system by improving DNA collection and tracking processes, supporting the integration of Rapid DNA technology, database inclusion, forensic genetic genealogy and advancing other policies and practices that help solve crimes, protect victims, and safeguard the innocent.

As a national hub for resources, technical assistance, and policy development, the Center will support jurisdictions working to maximize the impact of forensic DNA technology.

Thank you to Arnold Ventures for supporting this important initiative. Stay tuned for more updates.

One week until the 2026 Forum on Criminal Justice! There is still time to join us and colleagues virtually on May 12-14,...
05/05/2026

One week until the 2026 Forum on Criminal Justice! There is still time to join us and colleagues virtually on May 12-14, from 1:00-5:30 pm ET (12:00 CT/11:00 MT/10:00 PT) each day.

NCJA’s showcases policy, practice, research and grant administration issues from across the justice system that help justice practitioners and decision-makers in states and local communities address a range of pressing public safety issues.

View the agenda here: https://forumoncriminaljustice.vfairs.com/en/

Registration is just $400 for members. Register here: https://www.forumoncriminaljustice.org/registration2026

We look forward to seeing you next week!

Join us and Elizabeth Pyke, Allison Badger MPA, PMP and Kellie Rabenhorst for our next government affairs update on May ...
04/29/2026

Join us and Elizabeth Pyke, Allison Badger MPA, PMP and Kellie Rabenhorst for our next government affairs update on May 5 from 2-2:30pm ET! We will discuss what we currently know about grants in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the President's Budget proposal, changes to the FY25 NOFOs and more.

This session is open to all NCJA members and participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and share issues of common interest and concern. Register here: https://connect2justice.ncja.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2058344

It’s National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW)! This year’s theme is: Listen. Act. Advocate. Protect victims, serve c...
04/23/2026

It’s National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW)! This year’s theme is: Listen. Act. Advocate. Protect victims, serve communities.

Join NCJA, and the communities that help raise awareness and support victims, as we observe and reaffirm our commitment to justice and crime victims’ rights.

View resources on Office of Victims of Crime: https://ovc.ojp.gov/ncvrw2026/overview

Learn more about community events with National Organization for Victim Advocacy NOVA: https://trynova.org/events/national-crime-victims-rights-week/

04/22/2026

NCJA is seeking a website vendor to build and support a new CMS-based website for our soon-to-be-launched Center for Forensic DNA Policy and Practice. We are looking for a developer to design and develop a user-friendly and accessible website that includes key features. View the RFP for more information: https://tinyurl.com/DNACenterSiteRFP

The deadline to submit proposals is May 6, 2026!

If you or your network have any recommendations or experiences, we'd love to hear from you!

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720 7th Street NW
Washington D.C., DC
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Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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