Governors rely on a core of criminal and juvenile justice policy advisors in forming state criminal justice policy, including defining issues, developing strategies, coordinating agencies, engaging communities, and allocating resources. NGA has created a network of these top-level policy advisors to foster cross-state information sharing, disseminate policy-relevant information, and provide customized technical assistance around a range of criminal justice policy issues. NGA also hosts an annual retreat for these advisors to provide an opportunity to engage in peer-to-peer discussions and to learn about current criminal justice research and best practice models.