Regional Representative Statement of Responsibility

 

As a member of NCJA’s Advisory Council, regional representatives are an important component of the leadership of the Capital-based national nonprofit association that represents state, tribal and local governments on crime control and public safety matters. Since its founding in 1971, the NCJA has become a national voice in shaping and implementing criminal justice policy and we work to advance a balanced approach to communities’ complex public safety and criminal justice issues.

​

In support of its members who come from all fields in the criminal and juvenile justice community, the NCJA acts as:

​

1. A convener of multidisciplinary criminal justice professionals

2. A monitor of Congress and the Administration,

3. A liaison between federal leaders and the Advisory Council and other members and practitioners

4. A forum for policy development

5. A research and best practices repository

6. An educator and professional development provider

7. An advocate of diversity in the justice system

​

About the NCJA Advisory Council

 

The Advisory Council is composed of high-level state officials, charged with criminal and juvenile justice planning and resource management, and tribal government as well as regional representatives elected from and by the individual members of the NCJA to represent NCJA’s four regions.

​

The Advisory Council meets twice per year:

​

• In the Fall in conjunction with the Forum on Criminal Justice to elect NCJA’s senior leaders – the President, Vice President, and 12 directors and four alternates on the Board of Directors – chosen from the Advisory Council membership

• In the Spring, usually in conjunction with the NCJA Policy Summit

• At least one of the Advisory Council meetings will have a virtual option

• Additional meetings may take place online or by phone

​

Advisory Council Member Responsibilities

 

Advisory Council members, including Regional Representatives, are urged to:

​

• Attend and participate in Advisory Council meetings;

• Take an active interest in the association’s affairs;

• Familiarize themselves with NCJA’s Mission Statement, Bylaws, Resolutions, and Policy Statements, and keep abreast of issues facing the association;

• Attend and support the Forum on Criminal Justice by providing resources and input on the agenda and promoting attendance;

• Review the minutes of Advisory Council and Board meetings;

• Participate in the election of Regional Representatives, officers, and other Board members;

• Identify issues that the NCJA should address; participate in the policy formulation and review process; review and comment on Policy Statements;

• Volunteer to be a contributing member on NCJA standing and ad hoc committees;

• Promote the association and encourage individuals, tribes, and other organizations to join the NCJA as the resource for criminal justice policymakers and practitioners;

• Maintain a dialogue with other Council members and the NCJA staff;

• Be responsive to informational and other requests from the leadership that support NCJA’s missions and activities;

• Contribute subject matter expertise;

• Act as liaisons between the NCJA and the members’ federal, state, and local officials and practitioners; debrief NCJA staff on contacts with their Congressional delegations and other federal officials of potential interest to the general membership; and

• Be NCJA’s window on what is happening in the field outside the Beltway.

 

While we recognize the constraints which many criminal justice agencies face, the NCJA does not have the resources to offer reimbursement for attendance at Advisory Council meetings. We believe that the business of the NCJA advances criminal justice practice and policy and especially benefits the jurisdictions represented by its members. We urge you to consider these responsibilities seriously when you accept the nomination for Regional Representative.