The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation today announced that St. Louis County is one of 20 jurisdictions selected to receive a $150,000 grant to create a fairer, more effective local justice system. The grant is a part of the Safety and Justice Challenge, the Foundation’s $75 million initiative to reduce over-incarceration by changing the way America thinks about and uses jails. With the support, St. Louis County and the University of Missouri–St. Louis will develop a municipal court coordinating office to standardize fine amounts and bond payments across the jurisdiction, reduce bench warrants and subsequent incarceration, and educate citizens about the legal process and individual rights.
The STL County/UMSL project was chosen following a highly competitive selection process that drew applications from nearly 200 jurisdictions from 45 states. The Safety and Justice Challenge competition supports jurisdictions across the country seeking to create more just and effective local justice systems that improve public safety, save taxpayer money and yield better outcomes. The 20 selected jurisdictions will work with expert consultants to develop a plan for local justice system improvement. In 2016, as many as 10 of these jurisdictions will receive a second round of funding – between $500,000 to $2 million annually – to implement their plans over two years.
“Nearly 200 diverse jurisdictions responded to our challenge, reflecting nationwide interest in reducing over-incarceration,” said Julia Stasch, president of the MacArthur Foundation. “Each of the sites selected has demonstrated the motivation, collaboration and commitment needed to make real change in their local justice systems. We hope their local efforts will model effective and safe alternatives to the incarceration status quo for the rest of the country.”
Reviewed 2015-06-04