In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the launch of a new data initiative by the Administrative Office of the Courts, referred to as the \"data for justice dashboard.\" This tool aims to provide insights into criminal filings across various demographic groups, specifically focusing on race within the county. Although the dashboard is in its early stages, its development stems from ongoing efforts that began in 2018, aimed at addressing concerns about disparities in treatment among different racial and gender groups within the judicial system.

The initiative, initially dubbed the \"Secret Santa program\" and formally known as the procedural justice initiative, involved observers monitoring court proceedings without prior notice to assess how individuals were treated based on age, gender, and race. This effort was prompted by discussions at a conference regarding discrepancies in judicial treatment, leading officials to seek a clearer understanding of their own practices.

Dr. Andrew Peterson from the Center for Court Research has been collaborating with court officials to analyze data and report findings regularly. The goal is to create a standardized template that can be utilized across all counties in the state, enhancing transparency and accountability within the judicial process. The dashboard is expected to serve not only the courts but also law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies, marking a significant step towards data-driven justice reform.