JAC minutes 092316 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Justice facility that could be addressed if the OCSO moved to the new facility. Travis Myren said this issue could be addressed at the upcoming BOCC work session. Commissioners Jacobs and Pelissier said they wanted to have this discussion and Judge Baddour reiterated the importance of discussing these issues at the same time as the plans are being considered. Bethan Eynon asked if inmates had been consulted on the needs for the new Detention Center. Studies were being done, according to Sheriff Blackwood, but inmates had not been part of the needs assessment. Barry Jacobs suggested that a survey be done to include inmates. Joal Broun asked about classroom studies for 16 to 18 year olds. Sheriff Blackwood replied that he does want space to meet educational needs. He has been to Durham to tour their facility. Judge Baddour suggested touring the new Chatham Detention Center. Caitlin asks if committee members could visit the current jail. Blackwood replied he not proud of his jail and he warned in advance that conditions were poor, however, he would facilitate a tour. III. County Manager’s Office Updates Commissioner Jacobs introduced Deputy Count Manager Travis Myren to discuss the federal inmate reimbursement rate. Travis went through a handout on the agreement with U.S. Marshals Service on Federal Inmate Reimbursement that was presented to the Board of Orange County Commissioners September 6, 2016. Commissioner Jacobs remarked this cost analysis and re-negotiation process was important as it revealed that the federal reimbursement was not the cash cow that many assumed. Caitlin Fenhagen discussed on her staffing and the recent hire of Karen Shaw as the new Drug Treatment Coordinator. She also discussed the Stepping Up Initiative Resolution and the efforts underway in the CJRO to address the issue of the mentally ill in our Jail, including the work of Allison Zirkel, the Jail Mental Health Work Group and the new contract psychiatrist. She also discussed the Misdemeanor Diversion Program’s start and the new Strike Order policy that the CJRO and the Clerk’s Office have jointly started. Commissioner Jacobs stated that this work fell in place because of new staffing and a County Manager’s office determined to address these issues and make a difference. IV. Creation of 15B Racial Justice Task Force District Attorney Jim Woodall co-chairs the 15B Racial Justice Task Force along with Public Defender James Williams. They each discussed its formation in the fall of 2015, its membership and addressed the mission statement. They discussed current initiatives including an upcoming forum on race and policing, the discussion of re-entry needs, and the formation of sub-committees to examine and address racial disparities in the criminal justice system. This Task Force is the first one of its kind in the state. V. Discussion of JAC Meeting Schedule and Sub-Committee Formation Commissioner Jacobs suggested that we build in updates to issues the Council has previously discussed. The handout on proposed sub-committees was briefly discussed. There were no objections to the proposal for three standing committees, but it was agreed this would be discussed more at the next meeting. Judge Baddour stated that Natasha Adams and Lamar Proctor had been tasked by JDEC with