Conservatives for Criminal Justice Reform

07/08/2026

Bipartisan leaders are asking questions: after years of massive investment in technology-based learning, has it actually improved student outcomes?

North Carolinians deserve transparency and accountability—especially when the evidence increasingly suggests that excessive screen use is linked to lower academic achievement, weaker attention control, and weaker cognition.

Teachers have been warning us for years that students are struggling not only with test scores, but with the basic habits that make learning possible: sustained attention, reading comprehension, impulse control, peer interaction, problem-solving, and the ability to sit with frustration or boredom without immediately reaching for a device.

That should concern every parent, educator, taxpayer, and policymaker. These are not just classroom skills. They are life skills.

Children and teenagers are still developing the part of the brain responsible for judgment, self-regulation, impulse control, and long-term decision-making. If we build school environments that constantly reward instant stimulation and outsource thinking to devices, we should not be surprised when young people struggle to moderate their behavior in the real world.

This is especially relevant as communities consider youth investment, juvenile justice, school safety, and prevention strategies. If we are serious about reducing youth violence, delinquency, and disengagement, we have to ask whether we are helping children develop the self-control, attention span, emotional regulation, and social connection they need—or whether we are unintentionally weakening those very capacities.

Our kids spend 8+ hours a day at schools that are shaping the adults our children will become. If excessive screen use is contributing to weaker attention, poor impulse control, lower comprehension, reduced peer connection, and declining academic performance, every parent and taxpayer in North Carolina deserves to know that.

Granville County has emerged as a leader as N.C. parents and administrators consider new limits on tech in schools.

06/16/2026

Most North Carolinians support giving law enforcement the tools they need to solve crimes and keep communities safe. Technologies like Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs) can help recover stolen vehicles, locate suspects, and assist investigations.

But we should be careful about creating systems that collect and store information on millions of law-abiding citizens.

Legislation in NC , HB206, would expand and formalize the use of ALPR cameras on state rights-of-way. Combined with thousands of cameras already operating across the state, this would significantly expand the government's ability to monitor vehicle movements.

These systems don't just capture license plates. They can collect information about a vehicle's make, model, color, distinguishing features, and location. Over time, that data can create a detailed record of where ordinary North Carolinians travel throughout their daily lives.

The question isn't whether law enforcement should have useful technology.

The question is whether government should be allowed to build massive databases on the movements of people who are not suspected of any crime.

CCJR believes that government power should be limited, transparent, and accountable. Those principles must apply to surveillance technology just as much as taxes, regulations, or any other government program.

North Carolinians can support law enforcement while also insisting on safeguards that protect the privacy of law-abiding people.

05/28/2026

05/28/2026

A quick reminder can prevent unnecessary warrants, jail stays, and license suspensions — before they happen.

Court reminder systems use simple text and phone reminders to help people remember court dates - just like we count on from our doctors and dentists!

Interested in more ways to help NC get to court? Check out NC Court Appearance Project: https://unc.live/4tWeiCH

05/27/2026

Missed hearings cost everyone — courts, law enforcement, taxpayers, and families already struggling financially.

EACH missed court dates costs North Carolina Judicial Branch $1,500 and costs the defendant $1,400 per missed appearance.

That’s $2,900 saved everytime we help people get to court!

Learn more from NC Court Appearance Project: https://unc.live/4tWeiCH

05/27/2026

For many people, losing a license means losing access to work, school, childcare, and medical appointments — all over low-level offenses unrelated to public safety.

Missing court often triggers a Failure to Appear (FTA) charge and automatic driver’s license suspension.

Today, 1 in 10 North Carolinians cannot legally drive because of missed court dates. Check out report from North Carolina Judicial Branch https://bit.ly/3Q3Rlja

03/02/2026

The Raleigh Police Department extends our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of NCSHP Master Trooper Steven J. Perry, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty.
Please keep Trooper Perry’s loved ones and NCSHP in your thoughts and prayers. 💙

02/06/2026

When you need help—but not a uniformed responder—NC211 is there.

Huge thanks to United Way of North Carolina for providing this incredible resource connecting North Carolinians to the right support.

Dealing with a non-emergency relating to the winter storm? Call by dialing 2-1-1 or (888) 892-1162. Available 24/7/365 for free in multiple languages. You can also find information at nc211.org/news/. Stay safe!

01/23/2026

The North Carolina Alliance for Safe Transportation is a critical voice working to reduce transportation-related crashes, injuries, and fatalities in NC.

Mark your calendar for Feb 12 to join NCAST for their annual Sweethearts of Safety Awards luncheon as they "honor exceptional leaders who have dedicated their time to making travel in North Carolina safer for everyone."

NCAST recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the state’s transportation network.

01/21/2026

We are excited to join the first annual Juvenile Justice Champion Awards hosted by Strategies for Youth.

New Executive Director Anthony Pierro brings over two decades of experience from the juvenile law enforcement perspective to SFY's longtime efforts dedicated to ensuring that all youth interacting with law enforcement experience the best possible outcomes.

CCJR supports data-driven policies that provide age-appropriate, evidence-based responses to keep teens out of the adult system and we look forward to joining SFY on Feb 3!