Kirsten E. Kenyon

This Strategic Framework for the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency (PCCD) outlines its direction from 2026 to 2030, aiming to be a state and national leader in promoting justice for all Pennsylvanians. The plan is structured around four key goals: supporting core statutory functions to improve safety, justice, and healing; utilizing flexible funding for innovative public safety approaches; strengthening public safety data infrastructure and analytic capacity for better decision-making and transparency; and promoting proven practices through focused investments and cross-system coordination. The framework emphasizes collaboration, victim support, safer communities, and continuous improvement in its operations.

This document outlines the strategic priorities and operational functions of PCCD. Key focus areas for investment include Gun Violence Prevention, Data, Research & Evaluation, Victim Services & Compensation, Behavioral/Mental Health Initiatives, Criminal Justice System Improvements, Juvenile Justice System Improvements, Youth-focused Prevention, Law Enforcement Technology & Training, School Safety & Mental Health, and Children's Advocacy Centers. Beyond funding, PCCD's role encompasses recommending and adopting policies, establishing professional standards for various public safety sectors, and providing training for justice practitioners and school safety personnel. The agency administers both federal and state funds, supporting a wide range of programs and grant projects across the Commonwealth.

The discussion covers evidence-based practices and risk and needs assessment tools. It addresses the differences between static risk assessment tools and risk need assessment tools, particularly in how risk is determined and used. The discussion also involves the racial disparities involved in the use of risk need assessment tools. The measures of racial fairness of a risk need assessment tool, including differential validity and predictive parity, are discussed.

The meeting included discussions and approvals for various funding programs and grants. These included VSAC - Federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Funds, Federal Sexual Assault Services Program Formula Grant Program Funds, Federal STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program Funds, CJAC - Project Safe Neighborhoods Funds, and PCCD General Government Operations Funds. The grants were allocated to various counties and organizations for victim services, crisis response, legal aid, and violence prevention programs.

The meeting included reports from various committees such as the Children's Advocacy Center Advisory Committee, the County Adult Probation and Parole Advisory Committee, the Victims' Services Advisory Committee, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Committee, the Criminal Justice Advisory Committee, the Indigent Defense Advisory Committee, the Mental Health and Justice Advisory Committee, the Constables' Education and Training Board, and the Sheriff and Deputy Sheriff Education and Training Board. The discussions covered topics ranging from state endowment act funds, operating standards for adult probation and parole departments, violence and delinquency prevention programs, substance abuse education and demand reduction funds, forensic science improvement funds, and education, training, and qualifications of defense counsel standards. Additionally, there was a presentation on resources for victims of gun violence.