Well, here’s the official update . . .new data analyst to be hired this spring, seeking grants for training, one-day court train on implicit bias, a new work group on diversion programs, sheriff updates on solitary confinement, information on bail determinations, signature bonds and initial appearances, and more grants for 12 – 16 year old Madison youth to all be able to go through restorative justice programs rather than getting a municipal citation. Hmm. Progress, but what next? We’re not done are we?
Dear Members of the PP&J Criminal Justice Work Groups,
We want to thank you for your participation on the criminal justice work groups last summer. There are several initiatives underway in response to your recommendations for criminal justice system improvement. Not only did the 31 recommendations provide guidance to the County Board during the budget deliberations last fall, but the Criminal Justice Council is currently reviewing and discussing each recommendation at its monthly meetings. Your time and effort has made a difference.
- Data Analysis: The County Board created a new research analyst position to work at the direction of the Criminal Justice Council to collect and analyze data at each stage of the criminal justice system. This position will work with a staff team of individuals from each of the key local, county, and state agencies. The hiring process will be complete by later this spring.
- Training: The County Board directed the new Office for Equity and Inclusion to pursue grant and other funding to establish ongoing training for Dane County employees on implicit bias, racial justice, and trauma informed care. In addition, the courts have scheduled a day long training session called “Recognizing and Responding to Implicit Bias in the Criminal Justice System” for 275 court system stakeholders and judges.
- Focus on Diversion: A new work group on diversion programs has been established to review all current adult and juvenile diversion programs. The work group will evaluate criteria for admission and successful completion and will develop an equitable framework to ensure access to existing diversion programs.
- On-going Communication: As part of the budget process, the County Board specified that the Public Protection and Judiciary Committee invite the Sheriff to brief the committee on the use of solitary confinement and administrative segregation in the jail. Additionally, on March 22nd Presiding Judge Colas and Court Commissioner Jason Hanson will make a presentation at PP&J regarding bail determination, signature bonds, and initial appearances.
- Restorative Justice: The County Board has directed staff to seek grant funding in support of the Community Restorative Court. In 2015, Dane County, the City of Madison, the YWCA, Briar Patch, and Time Bank secured grant funding for an initiative wherein all 12 to 16 year olds in the City of Madison can chose a restorative justice program rather than receiving a municipal citation. This is a prime example of how collaboration and grant funding can move justice forward.
Our efforts to learn from the successes of others in the areas of community and procedural justice continue. We are in the process of scheduling a presentation to the County Board by two leaders in community justice – Brett Taylor of the Center for Court Innovation and Judge Calabrese, the presiding judge of the Community Justice Center in Red Hook, New York. This will be an opportunity to hear from experts who have been leading change in criminal justice for over fifteen years. We will share more information as plans are finalized and we hope you can join us for this presentation later in the spring.
Community involvement, including hard conversations, is the bedrock of democracy. We wanted to acknowledge your good work and express our sincere appreciation.
Sincerely,
Supervisor Sharon Corrigan, Chair
Dane County Board of SupervisorsSupervisor Paul Rusk, Chair
Public Protection and Judiciary Committee
