Welcome

With close to 8,000 employees, the Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet (JPSC) is the second largest agency in state government.

It is the state entity responsible for criminal justice services, which encompasses law enforcement activities and training; prevention, education and treatment of substance abuse; juvenile treatment and detention; adult incarceration; autopsies, death certifications and toxicology analyses; special investigations; paroling of eligible convicted felons; and long range planning and recommendations on statewide criminal justice reform issues.

As a national leader in criminal justice, the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet's vision is to continuously improve public safety and the quality of life.

"Protecting you through public service... Making your future safer and healthier"

In March 2008, Governor Beshear directed Secretary J. Michael Brown to conduct a comprehensive review of Kentucky’s criminal justice system, particularly as it relates to the prison population, and report back to him by December 1st his recommendations for reform.

Working through the auspices of the Kentucky Criminal Justice Council, Secretary Brown established committees to look at various issues facing our system, including sentencing guidelines; substance abuse policies and laws; and penal code reform. 

To view the full report, click here.

Secretary J. Michael Brown toured Luther Luckett Correctional Complex in November.  At left, he talks with inmate Jimmy Crawford, while Warden Dailey and Officer Wilson look on.  Below, Secretary Brown listens to inmates Jahi Merriweather, left, and Joseph Goodin, while Deputy Secretary Charles Geveden talks with Jerry Howard.

  

Significant laws relating to Kentucky's criminal justice system were passed by the 2008 General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Steve Beshear, including initiatives to curb the rising costs of incarceration and improve the safety of law enforcement officers. 

• Secretary Brown names 2 to Juvenile Justice posts
  Friday, October 31, 2008
  Justice and Public Safety Secretary J. Michael Brown today announced two appointments to top posts within the Department of Juvenile Justice. Ron Haws, who has served as Acting Commissioner since January, has been promoted to Commissioner for the department, and A. Hasan Davis has been named Deputy Commissioner in charge of operations.
• Justice Cabinet awards more than $5.3 million in grants to crime victims' groups
  Wednesday, October 15, 2008
  Justice and Public Safety Cabinet Secretary J. Michael Brown announced today the cabinet has awarded more than $5.3 million in grants to provide crisis intervention, advocacy, counseling, shelter and other assistance to victims of crime. The money is allocated through the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), which relies on criminal fines, forfeitures and assessments instead of taxpayer dollars to support victim services.
• Justice & Public Safety Cabinet awards more than $340,000 to aid local substance abuse prevention efforts
  Wednesday, October 15, 2008
  The Justice and Public Safety Cabinet today announced the award of 54 federal grants totaling more than $340,000 to local substance abuse and violence prevention coalitions. The grant money will fund Champions Coalitions – made up of local leaders, educators, professionals and concerned citizens – throughout the state.