Weekly News Brief

Pushing Pretrial Justice into the Open ? In remarks at the National Symposium on Pretrial Justice on June 1, Attorney General Eric H. Holder said, "This symposium marks an important step forward in what I know, and what I pledge, will be an ongoing conversation about how we can achieve safe and fair pretrial release and diversion practices in our communities, and, in doing so, make our justice system both effective and more efficient." Assistant Attorney General Laurie O. Robinson, Office of Justice Programs, echoed the same sentiments and added, "The Department of Justice is working to support pretrial services, and evidence-based decision making in jurisdictions across the country ? we're providing guidance to elected officials at the local level, and soliciting perspectives from experienced pretrial management professionals ... and we're examining new ways to ensure that risk management is an integral part of the conversation."

Celebrating Drug Courts Practitioners Efforts in June ? The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) joins thousands across the nation in celebrating and honoring Drug Court participants, practitioners, and policymakers involved in over 2,500 drug courts across the country. Studies show drug courts reduce recidivism and substance abuse among high-risk substance abusing offenders and increase their likelihood of successful rehabilitation. More information, including current solicitations is available at: https://bja.gov/grant/drugcourts.html.

Upcoming Events:

The 2011 National Gang Symposium, sponsored by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention and the Bureau of Justice Assistance, June 7?10, in Orlando, Fla., is open to the media. For more information, contact Starr Small, 202-514-9870. http://www.gangsymposium.org/

The 2011 National Institute of Justice's Conference: Translational Criminology - Shaping Policy and Practice with Research, June 20-22, at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Va., is open to the media. For more information, contact Sheila Jerusalem, 202-616-3227. http://nij.gov/events/nij_conference/welcome.htm

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