It’s difficult to fix what we can’t measure, and transparency on what is happening in the criminal justice system is essential to building trust. Modernizing our system through data and data transparency will provide the tools for smart reforms and effective, accountable governance. 

Prosecutorial Performance Indicators

Justice shouldn’t be measured in arrests, prison sentences, or fines that so often the justice-involved individual can’t even pay. In fact, those measures set up the wrong incentives and reinforce a culture of punishment over accountability. Prosecutors should seek justice, not the “win” at all costs. DA Schmidt is one of a number of DAs nationwide to use Prosecutorial Performance Indicators (PPIs), made up of over 32 unique data sets that provide new measures of prosecutorial success and advance transparency. 

Data Dashboards

Generally, data on police and prosecutor practices is quite limited. That’s why DA Schmidt began publishing online data dashboards, reflecting PPIs, so that the public can understand the work of the office and so they can understand and address problems such as racial disparities. Sharing data is also essential for generating research that can help guide our decision-making

Bias Crime Dashboard

Data collection and tracking is just as much a reflection of our values as it is a science. DA Schmidt and his administration denounce hate in all forms and work to advance equity within our role in the criminal justice system. Part of this work is educating the public on the prevalence of discrimination in our community. To that end, DA Schmidt launched a bias crime data dashboard as a practical tool for policymakers, leaders, and the communities most impacted by bias crimes. DA Schmidt’s administration presented the dashboard to the Muslim Advisory Council (MAC) in advance of its public launch for feedback and community engagement. 

Community Advisory Committees

DA Schmidt welcomes input from community members and interested parties in the general workings of the DA’s Office. MCDA currently has a number of community advisory committees that provide input and help ensure transparency, including:

• MCDA Community Budget Advisory Committee – reviews and makes recommendations on MCDA’s budget and priorities. 
• Justice Integrity Unit Community Advisory Board – provides community perspective for the JIU in many areas, including input into SB 819 applications and feedback on existing and proposed JIU-related policies.