A quick summary.
Overarching Recommendations: Data Collection and Analysis
Each workgroup noted severe gaps in data and analysis which need to be resolved as soon as possible.
LENGTH OF STAY
1.Implement full-scale pretrial services, including electronic notification of court dates.
2.Implicit Bias, Racial Equity and Inclusion, Diversity and Poverty Training.
3.Alternative sentencing via community service work and diversion programs.
4.Initial Appearances/bail hearings on weekends and holidays (if possible)
5.Create a comprehensive reporting system for public oversight and accountability of the District Attorney’s office’s charging and sentencing recommendation (plea bargaining) policies and practices.
6. Require a racial impact statement before implementing policy.
7.Require the Department of Corrections to report weekly to the Dane County Board of Supervisors and the County Executive, as to who is on a probation or parole hold.
8.Perform a racial equity analysis on policies related to signature bonds, bail determinations, and eligibility for electronic monitoring.
9.To further advance the interests of justice and fairness for individuals held in jail on Dept. of Corrections holds, the Dane County Board shall immediately recommend the following:
(a) DOC develop a probation and/or extended supervision hold process wherein individuals who are held in the Dane County Jail and alleged to have only violated rules of supervision be considered for release pending the investigation and the Dept.’s decision whether to seek revocation.
(b) that, pursuant to Sec. DOC 331.05 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code, DOC provide a Preliminary Hearing and Detention Hearing for all individuals held in the Dane County Jail who are alleged to have only violated rules of supervision so that some individuals will be released while they await the Final Revocation Hearing.
10.Restructure the Dane County Criminal Justice Council
ALTERNATIVES TO ARREST AND INCARCERATION
1. Volunteer Programming – Use and strengthen volunteer programs to reduce involvement with the formal criminal (and juvenile) justice system(s).
2. Expand Restorative Justice Models throughout Dane County.
3. Expand Diversion Services.
4. Create a Racial/Ethnic Equity Data Analyst Position.
5. Cultural Competence, Social and Racial Justice Training.
6. Use a Racial Equity Lens to review policies and practices
7. Review Current Diversion Programs.
8. Establish Community Advisory Boards.
9. Require cultural and linguistic diversity.
10. Implement a Fugitive Safe Surrender Program.
MENTAL HEALTH, SOLITARY CONFINEMENT AND INCARCERATION
1.Remodel the current jail to reflect a more humane and modern facility
2.Develop culturally relevant community – based crisis, assessment and resource center.
3.Increase the number and reach of mobile crisis response staff/teams
4.Develop more culturally relevant and family centered outreach and engagement
5.Add culturally relevant staff to work in collaboration with current mental health, substance abuse, or developmental disability services and community resources
6.Create and sustain a culturally diverse workforce.
7.Reduce the length of time in solitary confinement and administrative segregation
8.County Executive should convene a leadership team of mental health providers, advocates and others, to explore:
• The current system of financing mental health services in the public and private sector and identify opportuni-
ties or strategies to enhance collaboration and/or the more effective use of public and private resources and to
increase funding through securing grants or other resources focused on improving mental health service out-
comes; and
• Development of more cost effective, coordinated, sustainable, and comprehensive services to support individuals with mental health, developmental disability, and substance abuse issues in the community, reducing the need for jail and/or hospital diversion and supporting reentry
9.Support the development of a plan to deliver additional training and resources for judicial officials, attorneys, and others involved in the court process
10.Convene a workgroup under the auspices of the Criminal Justice Council to identify and sustain strategies to improve processes and expedite cases for inmates with significant mental health, substance abuse, or developmental disability issues as may be appropriate.
