ICJIA’s Research & Analysis Unit is committed to advancing justice and informing policy through rigorous research and evaluation. Our latest newsletter, Winter 2026 Issue 21, highlights key initiatives and achievements in the field of criminal justice, victim services, and violence prevention.

This edition features a spotlight on ICJIA staff at the 2025 Police, Treatment, and Community Collaborative (PTACC) Summit in New Orleans, Louisiana. PTACC brings together stakeholders from around the world to discuss the field of deflection, including major breakthroughs and accomplishments. Senior Research Scientist Jessica Reichert co-presented on police stigma toward people with substance use disorders and its impact on deflection’s effectiveness. Illinois continues to be at the forefront of deflection, and ICJIA researchers are engaged in several deflection program evaluations.

Our newsletter also covers new research publications, including a paper on Illinois K-12 Public School Personnel Readiness for Supporting Student Mental Health. Researchers used survey data from 160 public school personnel in Illinois to learn about their mental health knowledge, preparedness, responsiveness, and experiences assisting with student mental health issues.

ICJIA published two evaluation reports this past quarter. First, in an Implementation Evaluation of a Program to Assist Victims of Violent Crime, ICJIA staff interviewed and administered surveys to stakeholders at the East St. Louis Community Engagement Team (ESL CERT). Although the program was viewed positively by staff and law enforcement, there were barriers that limited its full potential.

ICJIA also completed a Process Evaluation of a Rural, Police-Initiated Deflection Program in Southern Illinois. In this study, ICJIA staff examined the Southern Illinois Community Engagement Response Team (SI CERT), a deflection program serving seven southern Illinois counties. Using mixed-method data sources, researchers gained nuanced perspectives on program participation, strengths, and challenges.

Finally, research staff presented at several events, including the Justice Information Research Network’s Series, Justice Insights: Conversations with SACs, on “School Personnel Readiness for Supporting Student Mental Health." Staff also presented at the 6th Edition of the Global Conference on Addiction Medicine, Behavioral Health and Psychiatry and gave trainings on InfoNet and Safe from the Start to Illinois providers.

To delve deeper into these important topics and stay updated on our work, please click on “PDF version” to download the newsletter.