Approved 3/1/07

LAW ENFORCEMENT

February 15, 2007

Minutes

Members Present:          Dale Copedge, Tim Soule, Victor Celentino,                               

                                       Dianne Holman, Randy Schafer and Board Chairperson Marc

                                       Thomas                              

Members Absent:           Debbie DeLeon

Others Present:               John Neilsen, Alan Spyke, Matthew Myers, Mark Grebner, Greg

                                        Harless and Mary Sabaj

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Copedge at 5:37 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.

Approval of the February 1, 2007 Minutes

MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. CELENTINO, TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 1 MINUTES AS SUBMITTED.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Limited Public Comment:          None

Additions to the Agenda:           None

1.         Community Corrections Advisory Board - Resolution Authorizing the Disposition of County Grant Equipment and Authorizing a Contract with Cristo Rey Community Center

MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. CELENTINO, TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE DISPOSITION OF COUNTY GRANT EQUIPMENT AND AUTHORIZING A CONTRACT WITH CRISTO REY COMMUNITY CENTER.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.  Absent:  Comm. DeLeon

2. Law Enforcement Committee – Presentation on Background Information Regarding the Ingham County Jail and Related Aspects of the Criminal Justice System on Jail Overcrowding

Mr. Neilsen provided an overview of the information contained in the agenda material regarding this item.  Mr. Neilsen then stated Ms. Sabaj will conduct a power-point presentation on additional background information which describes what is currently in place in the County regarding the Jail and the factors impacting its population.   The Committee members received printed copies of the power-point presentation.

Ms. Sabaj’s presentation included information on the following matters:

· National Statistics                    

· Ingham County Jail Capacity

· State Jail Reimbursement Program (JRP)

· Jail Population Comparison

· Residential Services

· Collaborations to Address Overcrowding

· Criminal Justice Decision Points

The Committee held a general discussion regarding the above information as well

 as additional data that was distributed to the Committee by Ms. Sabaj.  Ms. Sabaj stated 12 of 32 beds are open as of this date.   

(Board Chairperson Thomas arrived at 6:17 p.m.)

Comm. Grebner provided a history of the Jail’s overcrowding problem.  People are being placed in jail instead of being placed in alternative programs.  Current issues creating overcrowding conditions must be resolved before he is willing to support increasing the Jail capacity. 

Comm. Grebner distributed copies of his inmate release by Judge information to the Committee.  He explained the Judges handle similar cases differently.  One way to fix the problem is to allot a specific number of beds per Judge.   Chairperson Thomas stated the Board of Commissioners approved a resolution in 2005 which supports the consideration of a Jail bed allowance. 

Comm. Holman stated she has concerns regarding a rigid bed allocation.  Comm. Grebner explained the Judges would have great flexibility in how they handle their bed allotments. 

Comm. Schafer stated he strongly supports Comm. Grebner’s comments.  In spite of all the programs the County has created, we still have overcrowding.  He further stated the information from this meeting should be forwarded to the Judges, including Comm. Grebner’s study.  The County cannot afford to expand the Jail capacity at this time.

Comm. Holman agreed that Comm. Grebner’s study highlights a big problem.  Real inconsistencies need to be addressed.  Comm. Grebner stated Judge Collette tries to work with the Judges regarding the inefficiencies in sentencing practices. 

Chairperson Copedge stated the purpose of these discussions is to identify major issues, such as jail bed allocation.  Comm. Grebner stated an institutional change is needed which the bench will adopt before the overcrowding issue is resolved. 

The Committee continued their discussion.  Chairperson Copedge asked about the services inmates receive while in Jail. Mr. Myers stated a majority of the district court sentences are short.  Inmates are not incarcerated long enough to receive any services. 

Ms. Sabaj explained that inmates who receive at least a 30 day sentence receive some services.  She further stated people can be diverted from jail or charges at a number of points in the process. 

Comm. Schafer stated the Committee should flag several major areas for further discussion.  Four major areas include bed allocation, release standards, no jail expansion and maximize use of the CCAB programs. 

Comm. Celentino stated tonight is the first time he has heard of Comm. Grebner’s interesting jail bed allotment concept.  He further stated he appreciates Comm. Schafer’s summary of the four major points. 

Chairperson Thomas stated listing priorities is the right direction to proceed; however, the Committee needs to move quickly beyond that point.  Many actions over the years have resulted in some success.  The Commissioners should be unified in its decisions before meeting with the Judges. 

Mr. Neilsen stated discussions have taken place in order to plan for the next meeting.  The Committee will continue this discussion at its March 1, 2007 meeting.

3.         Information – Ingham County News, January 29, 2007 Article

The article was received and placed on file.

Announcements:                       None

Public Comment:                      None

The meeting adjourned at 7:24 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Debra Neff