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6 <br /> 1 A Criminal Justice Advisory Council would be an appointed body of elected and senior justice <br /> 2 system leaders and stakeholders that convenes on a regular basis to coordinate systematic <br /> 3 responses to justice system issues and problems. Membership could include stakeholders from <br /> 4 the executive branch of government, the courts, corrections, law enforcement, health and <br /> 5 human services agencies, community-based organizations, and the faith and business <br /> 6 communities. <br /> 7 <br /> 8 It is important to create a clear mission statement, a set of goals, a structure of leadership and <br /> 9 a method for evaluating the group's effectiveness. It is recommended that a Chair and Vice- <br /> 10 Chair be selected from within the Council, that sub-committees have an outlined purpose and <br /> 11 that task force or ad hoc groups are carefully considered and limited to a specific task and time <br /> 12 frame. Typical goals for a Council include improving the jurisdiction's justice system through <br /> 13 collaborative efforts and research, promoting safety, improving the just and efficient treatment <br /> 14 of offenders and reducing incarceration rates, crime rates and recidivism. <br /> 15 <br /> 16 Commissioner Pelissier said the idea of having a permanent Criminal Justice Advisory <br /> 17 Council (CJAC) has been in the works for some time. She said there is a huge advantage of <br /> 18 having all stakeholders at the table at one time. <br /> 19 Commissioner Jacobs said it is rare for County government to intersect with the Criminal <br /> 20 Justice system, and this permanent council would be a step in the right direction to integrate the <br /> 21 work of all involved. He said this council is a welcome improvement. <br /> 22 Commissioner Price said the charge is vague, and she does not see great importance <br /> 23 being placed on outreach and awareness to the community. <br /> 24 Caitlin Fenhegen said outreach is an important piece. She said the mission statement <br /> 25 should be a more targeted and will included greater depth of details like these. <br /> 26 Commissioner Rich asked if this council would be included in the BOCC boards and <br /> 27 committees. <br /> 28 Chair McKee said it is his understanding that this would become a permanent part of <br /> 29 their boards and commissions, and that this would be added to the BOCC's yearly selection <br /> 30 process for boards and commissions. <br /> 31 <br /> 32 A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner Price to <br /> 33 nominate Commissioner Jacobs and Commissioner Pelissier to be on this board. <br /> 34 <br /> 35 Chair McKee asked if this council would be an advisory committee or an oversight <br /> 36 committee. <br /> 37 Caitlin Fenhagen said the council is not an oversight committee, and law enforcement <br /> 38 will be at the table. <br /> 39 Sheriff Blackwood said this is an issue that has been talked about for a long time. He <br /> 40 said many hands make light work, and it is a positive step to have different perspectives <br /> 41 represented when considering how best to serve the citizens of Orange County. <br /> 42 Commissioner Rich said all the municipal police chiefs are being included in this council, <br /> 43 and asked if there is a reason why Mebane has not been included. <br /> 44 Caitlin Fenhagen said this was an oversight on her part, and she will extend an invitation <br /> 45 to the City of Mebane's police chief to join the council. <br /> 46 <br /> 47 Proposed Charge of the Criminal Justice Advisory Council <br /> 48 The proposed charge for the Criminal Justice Advisory Council is: <br /> 49 • Creates systematic responses to specific problems <br /> 50 • Reduces the duplication of efforts or conflicting efforts <br />