S Manager - Criminal Justice Partnership Program Grant Application

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6 CRIMINAL JUSTICE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM--NC DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION COUNTY COMMUNITY-BASED CORRECTIONS PLAN PAGE TWO OF SECTION A - - LOCAL POLICY DEVELOPMENT (See reverse for detailed instructions.) 2. Describe any changes in local policies that have already occurred as a result of the comprehensive community-based corrections plan. a) Explain any agreements made by different officials in the criminal justice system in order to meet the objectives of the comprehensive local plan. This should explain how the agreements will be carried out, and by whom. b) Explain how the plan accounts for and incorporates existing community-based programs. c) Describe any potential policy changes or discussions brought about by the Board's data analysis. d) Was there participation from all board members appointed to the local advisory board? If not, how did the lack of participation of certain segments of the local criminal justice system affect the board's ability to engage in policy discussions? While there have been no changes in local policies as a result of the comprehensive community-based corrections plan as yet, the Orange-Chatham Criminal Justice Partnership Advisory Board did identify some policy opportunities that will be explored further as the board continues to meet. During the advisory board's review of the local criminal justice system, the following issues were noted: (a) Citations are used generally for motor vehicle offenses only and are issued by the State Highway Patrol. Neither Sheriffs Department uses citations since they do not normally enforce motor vehicle laws. Citations are also used rarely by the Chapel Hill Police Department. The statutes permit the use of citations for misdemeanors and a policy change could be implemented to develop a specific policy for the use of citations in minor offenses. This could have an impact on jail census. (b) There is no structure in place for bond reviews for misdemeanants who are unable to make bail. nose found in this circumstance, remain in jail until their court date, which is usually a month from the date of admission to jail. This contributes to jail crowding, particularly in Orange County. A bond review process could be developed separately from the proposed pre-trial program outlined in the plan. This might impact on jail census. (c) Deferred prosecution is being used on a discretionary basis by the District Attorney's office, but there is no specific program or criteria at present. Statutes allow for a defendant to be placed on deferred prosecution if charged with a Class H or I felony or misdemeanor and he/she has not previously been placed on probation. Development of a specific program would enhance the criminal justice continuum.