The Commission on Racial and Ethnic Disparity in the Criminal Justice System was created by the Connecticut General Assembly on October 1, 2000 through Public Act 00-154. The Commission is a permanent body chaired by the Chief Court Administrator or his/her designee. CT Supreme Court Justice Lubbie Harper, Jr. is the current chairperson for the Commission, whose members meet bi-monthly. The Commission's work is directed through a Steering Committee composed of Commission members who meet regularly to set the agenda for the full Commission meetings.

The State of Connecticut Judicial Branch, Purchasing Services Office, released a Request for Proposals (RFP) on August 28, 2007. The duties of the Consultant, as outlined within the RFP, were to provide technical and administrative assistance to the Commission. Several proposals were submitted by individuals as well as agencies. Proposals were reviewed by a team of Commission members who, after lengthy discussion and consideration, chose the Institute for Municipal & Regional Policy (IMRP) to act as Consultant to the Commission on Racial and Ethnic Disparity in the Criminal Justice System.