Projects

Criminal Justice Project

Overview
Being involved in the criminal justice system as a victim of domestic violence and/or sexual assault can be overwhelming and frightening. Through the Criminal Justice Project, NDCAWS/CASAND has worked to improve how criminal justice agencies around the state respond to address victim safety and offender accountability.

History
NDCAWS/CASAND Criminal Justice Project began in 2003 by receiving funds from a grant through the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and the STOP Violence Against Women grant program. Since the development of this project NDCAWS/CASAND has been able to work collaboratively with:

  • ND Department of Health (NDDoH))
  • Minot State University's Rural Crime and Justice Center (RCJC)
  • University of North Dakotass Tribal Judicial Institute (TJI)

    • As well as working with various organizations around the state, such as, law enforcement agencies and local domestic violence and sexual assault programs across ND.

    Since receiving funds from STOP and through the IACP other funds were secured through the U.S. Department of Justice Grants to Encourage Arrest Policies and Enforcement of Protection Order Program (GTEA). The first funds were received in 2004; NDCAWS/CASAND has received additional funds to continue the Criminal Justice Project in 2006 and again in 2008.

    Projects completed under GTEA are:

  • Developing a model law enforcement domestic violence policy and a model officer involved domestic violence policy.
  • Provided technical assistance on adaptation of the model policy in multiple locations around the state.
  • Formed a statewide advisory committee that has been instrumental in the development of policies and materials distributed statewide.
  • Conducted regional trainings around ND for professionals on domestic violence related issues.
  • Provided regional trainings specifically focused on Native American issues and policy development with tribal law enforcement and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA).
  • Completed an analysis to determine the effectiveness of the model policy and to determine if law enforcement agencies now had policies around domestic violence and officer involved domestic violence.
  • Conducted discussions with tribal entities on issues related to domestic violence

    • Current Activities
    Through the Criminal Justice Project we are currently working on the following:

  • Working with the statewide advisory committee to develop a sexual assault model policy for law enforcement agencies around the state.
  • Updating the domestic violence model policies to include any legislative changes.
  • Continuing in the second audit phase with two communities in ND looking at probation and parole and prosecution responses to victim safety and offender accountability.
  • Establishing new audit sites in two communities in ND looking at law enforcement, dispatch and domestic violence program responses to victim safety and offender accountability.
  • Continuing to provide training on statewide and local levels.

    • For more information regarding the Criminal Justice Project,or to obtain technical assistance; please contact Courtney at 701 or 888-255-6240 ext. 15 or Email

    Resources
    RCJC 2003 Policy Analysis Report
    Model Law Enforement Policy
    Model Officer Involved Policy
    Safety & Accountability Information
    RCJC 2006 Policy Analysis Report

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