The Alberta Criminal Justice Association (ACJA) is an affiliate of the Canadian Criminal Justice Association (CCJA) which was founded in 1919. Both organizations exist to "promote rational, informed, and responsible debate" regarding the operations of our criminal justice system. The goal is to develop a more humane, equitable and effective justice system and in doing so, promote public respect and support for its operation.

ACJA is incorporated under the Societies Act of Alberta and as such requires that an annual AGM be held and reported on to the government registries each year. In Alberta, this requirement must be conducted before the end of October and involves:

• The formulation of an official agenda for the selected meeting date
• A review and approval of the previous year’s AGM minutes
• An official report by the President of ACJA concerning the operations and functions of the association during the past year
• An audited financial report by the Treasurer of ACJA
• The annual election of all past and new, incoming board members

Membership in CCJA automatically provides an associated membership in ACJA which is the base requirement for consideration or election to the board of ACJA. Respective candidates generally have their name put forth by a residing board member and an accompanying biography of that candidate’s accomplishments and merits for consideration. Board vacancies are then identified and filled with the best candidates for the coming year through a process of voting by the current board members.