UpClose With Ciera Bates-Chamberlain

This month’s member spotlight features Ciera Bates-Chamberlain, executive director of Live Free Illinois. Bates-Chamberlain was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago. She is committed to furthering the fight for social and economic justice by strengthening communities through radical theology.

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Recent Posts

Homicide Likely Reaching a New Historic Low as Most Crime Rates Continue to Decline at Mid-Year

New CCJ analysis finds 9 of 13 offenses declined in the first half of 2026, including an 18% drop in homicide; shoplifting the only offense remaining above 2019 levels

Crime Trends in U.S. Cities: Mid-Year 2026 Update

Examining changes in 13 offenses across a sample of 36 large U.S. cities, CCJ’s mid-year analysis shows crime has continued to fall in the first half of 2026, with homicide likely dropping to another historic low.

Rethinking Rehabilitation for Women in Prison

CCJ convened three virtual focus groups with correctional leaders to better understand how prison systems are approaching rehabilitation for women, focusing on behavioral health, reentry, and prison culture.