Minutes 09-01-2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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• National standards and best practices for pretrial services do not preclude organizational alignment with the Sheriff's Office, but they do stress the need for the Pretrial program to be perceived as independent from the other actors in the criminal justice system. These standards also note the importance of information technology in successful operations and encourage oversight by an interdisciplinary advisory board. • A comparative analysis of pretrial programs in North Carolina reveals that the most common organizational structure is an internalized program reporting to the County Manager. This model is more common among counties with a population of 100,000 or more. • Best practices for drug court emphasize a non-adversarial approach to providing the service and close collaboration among the decision makers and advocates working in the system. Based on stakeholder input, consideration, and additional research, the Memorandum recommends the following next steps: • Internalize the Pretrial Services and Drug Court Programs under the direction of the County Manager. • Recruit and hire a Criminal Justice Resource Manager to lead the new division and hire authorized staff. • Begin procurement of appropriate information technology resources for case management. • Remodel County office space in the courthouse for staff offices and client services. • Create an interdisciplinary advisory board to provide policy guidance, set priorities, and establish performance goals. • Develop performance measures to promote accountability and monitor performance. • Plan space in the new jail facility to allow for risk assessment, screening, and intervention planning. Chair McKee acknowledged the work done on this matter by Commissioners Pelissier and Jacobs. He also thanked the Sheriff and his department for his cooperation. Sheriff Blackwood praised Travis Myren for his prompt and thorough work on this issue. He expressed full cooperation with all involved stakeholders. Commissioner Pelissier said the Jail Alternatives Work Group also expressed thanks for the process of this discussion, and looks forward to moving forward. She said the Jail Alternatives group is equally committed to supporting people as they leave jail and reenter the community. Commissioner Jacobs said the group was very devoted and interested, and to him it was gratifying to see a cross section of interests coming together to help develop a unique vision. He said the group discussed its variation as it moves forward. He expressed thanks to the Sheriff, his gracious flexibility, and willingness to focus on what is best for Orange County. Chair McKee said he was glad that Commissioner Pelissier and Commissioner Jacobs mentioned the many stakeholders that were involved in this process. Commissioner Rich asked if there are best practices elsewhere regarding the makeup and charge of an advisory group. Travis Myren said the Jail Alternatives Work Group asked for staff to come back with this information. Commissioner Burroughs said she liked the synthesis of the report, and commended Travis Myren. Commissioner Price asked for clarification if a new Criminal Justice Resource Manager is being created, or if there is a similar position already in existence. Travis Myren said the person who is currently contracted to operate the drug court is Courtney Kennedy, but there has not been an overseeing manager but would now bring this one and Pre-Trial Services under the County Manager's purview. Commissioner Pelissier said Commissioner Jacobs, herself, Bonnie Hammersley and Travis Myren will be visiting the Durham Criminal Justice Resource Center this month.