Wisconsin Council on Criminal Justice

The Wisconsin Council on Criminal Justice (WCCJ) was originally created by executive order in 1969 as the state planning agency required by federal crime control and juvenile justice laws. The council replaced the Governor's Commission on Law Enforcement and Crime and operated within the Department of Justice (WIHV85-A890). In 1971, the council was recreated by executive order and was transferred to the Executive Office. Act 27, Laws of 1983, attached the Council to the Department of Administration (WIHV85-A694). In 1987, Act 27 abolished the Council and created the Office of Justice Assistance (WIHV93-A785) under the Department of Administration. In Wisconsin State Archives' database entries, the above form of name is used for records created 1969-1987.

The council assisted criminal justice agencies in Wisconsin improve their capability to deal with the causes of crime and find solutions to crime. It administered justice system assistance programs under 3 federal laws: the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Justice Assistance Act, and the Anti-Drug Abuse Act. It also operated the Statistical Analysis Center which performed a variety of research and statistical functions, including managing the State Uniform Crime Reporting system. Finally, it advised the governor and legislature on all major issues involving the criminal and juvenile justice system.