Criminal Justice Advisory Group

The Criminal Justice Advisory Group (CJAG) is committed to making a positive difference in the Mecklenburg County criminal justice system through communication, research, coordination, and planning. The group collaboratively develops programs and policies, and advocates change, in the interest of improving public safety.

The CJAG was created in 2005 as an informal forum where criminal justice system leaders engage in systemic planning and coordination. The CJAG focuses on identifying goals and priorities, developing solutions, and measuring results. Commitment is made to establishing cohesive policies and programs which are based on research and comprehensive planning. This commitment entails effective resource utilization and targeted funding strategies as part of its goal. 

Full CJAG committee meetings will be held on the second Wednesday of even numbered months at 8:30 A.M. Additional meetings may be scheduled if needed.

Goal and Objectives

The goal of the CJAG is to coordinate the overall criminal justice system to make it more efficient, effective, and productive. Based on this goal, the objectives are:

    • Bring together key decision makers to openly discuss issues affecting the criminal justice system.
    • Identify and proactively address problems and issues through planning and coordination.
    • Facilitate and provision the administration of criminal justice and related services and programs.
    • Generate system-wide data to increase criminal justice knowledge and strengthen decision-making.
    • Continually improve a criminal justice plan that defines systemic goals and objectives, identifies areas of strength and weakness, and includes an action plan with timelines and evaluative aspects.
    • Initiate innovative programs and policies to enhance functionality of the criminal justice system and increase public safety.
    • Review costs related to criminal justice agency activities, avoid duplicate spending, and prioritize the use of funds.
    • Find grant opportunities for eligible agencies and programs, and synchronize the grant application process to ensure that no opportunities are lost.
    • Interconnect and possibly consolidate existing criminal justice groups, committees, and boards to avoid redundancy of efforts and ensure cohesive systemic planning.
    • Develop and monitor a system that permits the timely sharing of data among criminal justice agencies.
    • Respond to critical issues and develop resolutions before they become crises.

    Committee Membership

    Membership in the Criminal Justice Advisory Group consists of the following positions from local government agencies:

    • Chief District Court Judge.
    • Chief Magistrate.
    • Child Support Enforcement Director.
    • Clerk of Court.
    • Community Support Services Director.
    • County Manager’s Designee.
    • City Manager’s Designee.
    • District Attorney.
    • Health Department Director.
    • Judicial District Manager.
    • Police Chief- Charlotte.
    • Police Chief- Cornelius.
    • Police Chief- Davidson.
    • Police Chief- Huntersville.
    • Police Chief- Matthews.
    • Police Chief- Mint Hill.
    • Police Chief- Pineville.
    • Public Defender.
    • Senior Resident Superior Court Judge.
    • Sheriff.
    • Trial Court Administrator.