Our Work
The Jails and Justice Support Center (JJSC) assists jails in operating safe, humane, and effective environments for their populations, including incarcerated individuals, staff, and visitors. We help jail leaders identify and address policies, procedures, and protocols to decrease the likelihood of a death in custody and/or respond to a death(s) in custody. At the Sheriff’s or CEO’s request, the JJSC delivers expert guidance on the identified core topic(s), those topics critical to preventing deaths in jail settings. The JJSC also serves as a single point of entry for other federally funded programs and resources.
To promote confidence from the field, and encourage jails in need to request assistance, the JJSC will not:
- serve as a regulatory, oversight, or investigatory body;
- set policy;
- serve as an advocacy organization;
- provide direct funding; provide surety for effective jail administration; or
- serve in an accrediting capacity.
To access these opportunities, please visit our How We Can Help page here and request assistance.
Our Vision
Safer healthier communities through safer healthier jails
Our Mission
The JJSC coordinates and facilitates direct delivery of services and support focusing on operations in America’s jails.
Key JJSC Services Include:
Providing Resources
The JJSC provides key resources and information to sheriffs, directors, jail administrators, stakeholders, and communities, enabling them to prevent in-custody deaths or critical incidents, implement efficient public safety strategies, and align operations with the requirements and ideals of the U.S. Constitution.
Providing Assistance
The JJSC provides readily accessible and practical support to sheriffs, directors, and jail administrators to strengthen safety and prevent deaths in custody by evaluating their agency’s approaches and outcomes.
Identifying and Filling Gaps
Identify gaps in resources, training, and services that the Department of Justice should address in its efforts to aid agencies managing jails. Our online resources provide a roadmap for 21st-century jails to evaluate current needs and unlock new opportunities for improvement.
Providing Consultation
The JJSC offers tailored advice specific to the individual needs of jails and partner organizations to enhance safe, humane, and effective environments for individuals employed by, residing in, and visiting correctional facilities.
Fostering Collaboration among Leaders in the Field
The JJSC leverages and collaborates with thought leaders on matters of jail health and safety, constitutionally sound jail operations, organizational behavior, jail administration, crisis response, and more.
Leveraging the Missions of BJA and NIC
Supplement existing services and initiatives offered by relevant components of OJP, BJA, and NIC.
Our Approach
Virtual Engagement through the Core Topics Library and Core Topic Toolkit
Direct expert guidance and service delivery in six core topic areas:
- Screening and Assessment
- Medical and Behavioral Health Needs
- Use of Force (Response to Subject Behavior)
- Human Capital
- Management
- Programming and Reentry