Speakers
Wendy Ware
Parallel Workshops
Justice systems worldwide are under growing pressure to improve public safety while reducing unnecessary incarceration and increasing fairness and transparency. What does it take to make that balance work in practice—not just in theory? This panel explores a proven model for achieving meaningful, measurable reform through data, collaboration, and sustained partnerships.
Drawing on lessons from a major multi-year initiative that supported jurisdictions across the United States, panelists will share how local leaders used data-driven strategies to better understand who is in jail, why they are there, and how systems can safely reduce reliance on detention. By integrating data across courts, law enforcement, prosecution, defense, and corrections, participating jurisdictions moved beyond assumptions and toward coordinated, evidence-based decision-making—resulting in significant reductions in jail populations while maintaining or improving public safety outcomes.
Attendees will gain practical insight into how cross-agency governance structures, shared performance metrics, and strong public–private partnerships can drive real change. The discussion will highlight common challenges—such as breaking down data silos, aligning stakeholders, and turning analysis into action—and the strategies that helped jurisdictions overcome them.
Whether you are a policymaker, practitioner, or researcher, this session will offer actionable ideas for building more effective, transparent, and sustainable justice systems. While grounded in U.S. experience, the lessons are highly relevant for international audiences facing similar challenges of fragmentation, limited data integration, and the need for coordinated reform.
Wendy Ware is an internationally respected expert in correctional system analysis, population forecasting, and criminal justice policy. She serves as President of the JFA Institute where she leads large-scale, data-driven analyses supporting correctional planning and policy development across the United States. With more than 30 years of experience, Ms. Ware has directed the development of hundreds of prison, jail, and community corrections population forecasts and system assessments used by governments to inform long-term planning, infrastructure investment, and policy reform.
Her work focuses on the drivers of incarceration, population complexity, workforce capacity, facility sustainability, and the growing medical and mental health needs of justice-involved populations. While grounded in U.S. correctional systems, Dr. Ware’s research emphasizes transferable methods and lessons relevant to correctional jurisdictions internationally, particularly in the use of forecasting to evaluate policy choices, manage system risk, and support humane and sustainable corrections. Through her leadership at JFA Institute she bridges research, policy, and practice to support effective correctional systems in diverse international contexts.
