The Crime and Justice Institute supports the development and execution of policy campaigns that advance sustainable justice system reforms designed to improve public safety, increase stability and long-term success for directly impacted individuals and communities, constrain harmful practices driven by false narratives and anecdote, and support agency leaders committed to evidence-based approaches.
We do this through rigorous data analysis, a deep understanding of decision-making at key points in the criminal justice process, meaningful engagement with stakeholders across the political and ideological spectrum, close collaboration with in-state advocates and policymakers, and disciplined narrative development and messaging.
At CJI, we recognize that justice system challenges are both politically driven and deeply embedded in everyday practice, and that durable change requires time, patience, and adaptability. From complex data analyses to urgent strategic responses, CJI’s outcome-focused Policy Campaigns Team is prepared and committed to driving meaningful and lasting change.
In 2015, the Utah Legislature adopted sweeping changes to its criminal justice system designed to improve public safety by reducing recidivism, increasing access to behavioral health services, and making decisions that align with research. Since then, Utah has made significant progress. Not only did these efforts turn around a corrections system that was projected to significantly increase the prison population while experiencing disturbingly high recidivism rates, but crime rates have not increased, as was asserted in 2015, and more people are able to access vital mental health and addiction treatment. Today, the Utah prison system incarcerates far fewer people than was projected, and the prison population is composed of more people who committed violent offenses than nonviolent offenses.
However, every year there are efforts to roll back the positive changes that Utah has implemented, as well as the introduction of damaging policy proposals in response to new challenges. Reminding policymakers and the public about the progress that has been made, why these efforts were initiated, and the problems that were avoided because of Utah’s proactive interventions is vital to ensuring Utah policies support all Utahns.
FAQs and Analysis for 2026’s Legislative Session
FAQs and Analysis for 2026’s Legislative Session