The city seeks to understand and address disproportionality, disparity and inequity in our community. To that end, the city has spearheaded comprehensive studies of disproportionate minority contact in the juvenile and adult criminal justice systems. The juvenile study was concluded in early 2017 and all recommendations have been implemented. The Juvenile DMC Task Force continues to convene to monitor data. The study of the adult criminal justice system, a collaboration between the city, Albemarle County, Justice Management Institute and Offender Aid & Restoration  has just begun. Preliminary results are expected in early 2018.

The Department of Social Services has begun a research project with the University of Virginia to identify disproportionate minority contact in our child welfare caseload.  The initial report will be available in early FY 2019.  The results of the research will be used to development strategies for reducing any identified disparities.