Mission Statement

The National Criminal Justice Association (NCJA) exists to promote the development of justice systems in states, tribal nations, and units of local government that enhance public safety; prevent and reduce the harmful effects of criminal and delinquent behavior on victims, individuals and communities; adjudicate defendants and sanction offenders fairly and justly; and that are effective and efficient.

Toward this end, the Association:

• Maintains the focus of state, tribal, local and federal governments on the needs of the criminal and juvenile justice systems;
• Represents state, tribal, and local criminal and juvenile justice system concerns to the federal government;
• Provides support for the development of criminal and juvenile justice policy for the nation's governors and tribal leaders;
• Supports the public and all levels of government in the achievement of public safety by the coordination of education, community and social service systems, in addition to law enforcement and criminal justice measures;
• Serves as a catalyst for the careful consideration and promotion of effective and efficient criminal and juvenile justice policies and practices;
• Advocates for the commitment of adequate resources to support all components of the criminal and juvenile justice systems; and
• Coordinates between the different branches and levels of government and promotes broad philosophical agreement.