Criminal Justice Division

CJD's mission is to create and support programs that protect people from crime, reduce the number of crimes committed, and to promote accountability, efficiency, and effectiveness within the criminal justice system. CJD focuses on the enhancement of Texas' capacity to prevent crime, provide service and treatment options, enforce laws, train staff and volunteers, and the restoration of crime victims to full physical, emotional and mental health.

CJD administers grants from a variety of state and state and federal funding sources [57KB PDF]. Although each funding source has its unique purpose, all CJD grant programs share two overarching values: 1) encourage innovative solutions and 2) provide for local control. Adhering to these values allows CJD to respond to the specific needs of Texas' communities.

Key Services:

Promote Strategies for Criminal Justice

• Advise and assist the governor in improving the coordination, administration, operation, performance and effectiveness of the criminal justice system.
  • Promote and expand capacity among community-based organizations, prevention initiatives, and criminal justice programs.
  • Promote and encourage partnerships.
  • Promote and encourage volunteerism.
• Analyze the state's criminal justice environment and establish goals, priorities, and standards for criminal justice, juvenile justice, victim restoration, and crime stoppers programs that increase public safety and reduce crime.

Provide Support and Direction to Criminal Justice Programs

• Facilitate coordination and cooperation between state, regional, local, and federal entities.
• Create and support programs that protect people from crime and reduce the number of crimes committed.
• Promote accountability, efficiency, and effectiveness within the criminal justice system.
• Monitor and evaluate programs and projects.
• Measure program performance.