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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJAC minutes 092316Justice Advisory Council Meeting September 23, 2016 Attendees: Judge Allen Baddour, Judge Joseph M. Buckner, Public Defender James E. Williams Jr., District Attorney Jim Woodall, Magistrate Rex Frederick, Clerk James C. Stanford, Sheriff Charles S. Blackwood, CHPD Chief Chris Blue, CPD Captain Chris Atack, HPD Chief Duane Hampton, DSS Director Nancy Coston, Child Support Services Director Janet Spark, Chaplain Jerry L. Love, Health Department Director Dr. Colleen Bridger, Chief Probation Officer Aries E. Cox, Troy Manns, Bethan Eynon, Juvenile Justice Chief Court Counselor Peggy Hamlett, District Court Judge’s Programs Manager Pamela Weiden, Facilities Manager Jeff Thompson, Will Okun, Joal Broun, Criminal Justice Resource Manager Caitlin Fenhagen, Deputy County Manager Travis Myren Co-Chairs: Commissioner Barry Jacobs and Commissioner Bernadette Pelissier I. Welcome and Introductions Commissioner Barry Jacobs welcome the committee members and began the meeting at 3:00 pm. He addressed the group with updates on the planning process and the design of the new Orange County Detention Center and asked that each committee member introduce themselves. II. Update on the Planning Process and Design For the New Detention Center Barry Jacobs turned the discussion over to Sheriff Charles Blackwood who talked about his vision for the new facility and the plans for the design of the new Detention Center. The Detention Center will be a more humane space, he said, and it will be more open to the public. It will offer were more room for inmates to receive treatment for medical issues, mental health issues, drug treatment, life skills, and many other beneficial programs focused on addressing the need to break the cycle of repeated incarceration. Todd Davis from Mosely Architects discussed the planning process. He discussed his background in corrections facilities planning. He talked about a variety of issues that he feels must be considered in the design and building process: multi-purpose rooms, natural light, including stakeholders in the process, ensuring appropriate staffing needs, and rule and regulations compliance. Davis and Jeff Thompson talked about the vision for the new Center and the cost of operation with more staff and the increased programs. Different design options are currently under consideration and proposals will be brought to the Commissioners. There is a 2020 occupation deadline in place. The lease of the land across from McDonalds is being finalized. Construction should begin in the spring of 2017. Judge Baddour asked about additional staffing needs for the jail and the question of whether the Sheriff’s Office should relocate to the Center. Judge Buckner and Sheriff Blackwood stated that the issue of moving the Sheriff’s Office should be added to the agenda for the Commissioners to consider. Davis said it was not currently being considered. Blackwood and Buckner talked about needs for the current 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 starting the discussion of a Re-Entry Council in Orange County, so Cait should reach out to them first before that sub-committee is formed. We settled on a quarterly meeting schedule. Commissioner Jacobs concluded the meeting at 4:35 pm. Next meeting is December 9, 2016 @ 3:00pm. West Campus Room 4.