Meet David Jones

Mr. Jones recently completed two terms as NCJA president in 2005-2006 and 2006-2007. Fresh off his election to a second term as the association’s President, NCJA asked Jones to reflect on his previous term and share his vision for NCJA’s future. Mr. Jones currently serves as the immeadiate past president.

David Jones is the executive director of the North Carolina Governor’s Crime Commission. The division serves as the state administering agency for the block grant funds assigned by the Governor to the Commission.  He has been with the Commission for almost thirty years and has conducted research and drafted policy recommendations in a variety of criminal justice areas including alcohol and drug abuse, sentencing and alternatives to incarceration, jail and prison overcrowding, juvenile and adult recidivism, and violent crime, particularly school violence. He has also worked extensively over the past few years in the development of integrated criminal justice information systems.

What changes have occurred since you became president?

There has been significant turnover in the staff of the association, but overall I think we have responded with an even stronger staff and enhanced organizational support for the members of the association.  There has also continued to be significant cuts in federal funding for many of the programs we administer. We have responded though by improving our reputation on Capitol Hill and in the Department of Justice as one of the most effective voices for state and local justice systems in the nation.

Are you happy with the last two years’ progress for NCJA?

Yes, and I think we are well positioned, both internally as an association, and externally with the alliances we have established, to build on that progress.     

What is your proudest accomplishment as president?

I think the initiation of thecongressional briefings last year and the continuation of such in the future is one of our most significant accomplishments. That briefing epitomized the enhanced role of the association and more importantly its members, in informing members of Congress and other decision-makers in Washington, as to the effectiveness of federal resources provided to state and local justice systems. 

In a past interview, you chose technological advancement and bringing criminal justice systems up-to-date as the most important goals for improving criminal justice systems right now. Are there any other issues that have emerged in the forefront?

The sharing of data, information and intelligence across disparate agencies and systems continues to be, in my opinion, the most important issue and the most effective means of improving justice and enhancing public safety in America. This integration and sharing of information should not be limited to traditional criminal justice agencies. To really improve the quality of justice in this country, as well as optimize the level of public safety our government should provide its citizens, we need to include social service, mental health and public health systems as well.  The emphasis in all of this should be on preventing crime and delinquency, and improving lives and opportunities; not just on apprehending and incarcerating criminals.    

What do you propose can be done about these issues?

I think the association can continue its close coordination with the IJIS Institute and its members and explore ways to expand the public/private partnerships for enhanced integration and information sharing systems.  The work that we are doing with our federal partners and the Global initiative should also be continued and expanded. As individual members, especially as SAA directors, we should focus on leveraging the declining federal resources by bringing these different agencies and systems together to improve the sharing of data and information. In North Carolina we are working to establish a statewide gang intelligence sharing system that will ultimately be merged with our intelligence fusion center being developed with Homeland Security funds. We are also working with our mental health, social service and educational systems to improve the coordination of services to at-risk youth and their families, though our locally based community collaborative initiative and the systems of care treatment model. 

In the criminal justice system, what issue upsets you the most?

Our society’s over reliance upon it, i.e., the criminal justice system, is what upsets me the most.  We seem to want to criminalize all types of behaviors that many times, make the problem worse.  Society is not that much safer, but the individual is criminalized and therefore, much worse off due to the state imposed sanctions.  This is most evident today in the substantial numbers of individuals in prisons and jails, or under some form of correctional supervision across the country; and the problems it presents from the standpoint of re-entry and rehabilitation.  

Where do you see NCJA going in the next year?

I see an expanded involvement of the membership and especially the advisory council in all aspects of association activities; particularly in the development and dissemination of position or policy statements on critical crime and justice issues. I also see the NCJA staff continuing to improve the service it provides to the membership, which will enhance their effectiveness as justice system administrators and practitioners.

Next five years?

I see the NCJA becoming the most effective and “listened to” voice on Capitol Hill for state, local and tribal justice systems.  I see it also as an association that truly makes a difference in improving the quality of justice in America, through an active membership that is empowered by a variety of technical assistance and educational activities of a most competent staff.

Are there any actions that you would encourage individuals to take in order to improve the criminal justice system?

Strive to become as informed as possible about the complex issues related to crime and delinquency, and then let the politicians and “powers that be” know how you feel about the policies they establish and the laws they enact.   I also would encourage individuals to get involved with youth in their community, through educational, mentoring, faith or mission activities and make a difference by showing them you care.