Minutes 05-14-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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incarceration related programs and assessing the impact on jail population. Attachment B outlines a proposed scope of services to evaluate current alternatives to incarceration programs. Michael Talbert said that Steve Allan, consultant from Solutions for Local Government, intends to track and retrieve data and program information for three years. He will interview key players, including district court judges, senior superior court judges, district attorneys, public defenders and others. Michael Talbert hopes the end result will be a comprehensive report that outlines the services provided, as well as the impact in the community and in the jail population. Michael Talbert said that the purpose for tonight is discussion and feedback. He said that if the Board chooses to proceed in this direction, Steve Allan can begin during the summer and will have results back by October. Frank Clifton said this is an important step in maximizing alternatives to jail space, and to begin the process of jail planning and design. He said Steve Allan has been involved in jail planning and other studies of this nature; so his input will be valuable in adjusting plans prior to bringing on an architectural design team. Commissioner Pelissier asked if there will be any consideration of other programs that currently do not exist but are allowable under current legislation. Steve Allan said this will typically come up as he goes through the process. He said that different terminology is used by different areas. He gave examples, such as house arrest and anklet use, as well as work release. He said this will be looked at, and he offered to add a bullet of additional programs to be suggested. He feels that the current programs are likely sufficient for the current jail population. . Commissioner Pelissier asked if there are places, such as School of Government, that might have ideas for program enhancement. She would like to fully explore all possibilities to reduce incarceration. Steve Allan said the jail population will dictate what can be done in any given place. He said there is a point where only a certain number of people can be released. He said he will include a section in his report to identify any new ideas that might be given. Commissioner Dorosin said he is looking at the scope of services and he questions the need for an outside consultant. He believes the assessment phase would be collecting data that is routinely collected now by staff. He asked why this data cannot be used and said this is a concern for him. He said another concern is how this report is going to affect the County building a new jail. He said these program alternatives are good, but he does not see the connection. Frank Clifton said the issues are that many people involved in this proposal are state elected employees with individual perspectives on how things should be done; however in almost every case the county has to assume responsibility for the expense. He said that when you tie that with the County's responsibility of providing jail space, and the consideration of a changing environment, it is problematic. He said there are elements of information from the court staff that are not in agreement with the County staff perspective, and there is need for an outside opinion. He said that there are 100 counties in the state and many different approaches. Frank Clifton said the numbers for the jail are based on a general total population estimate that allows for growth. He said one element could be a phase development for the jail that involves the addition of pods over time to increase size as needed. He said that there must be some space, other than the pods, incorporated in the initial phase for programming and activities.