Amended 10/11/07
LAW ENFORCEMENT
September 27, 2007
Minutes
Members Present: Dale Copedge, Todd Tennis, Victor Celentino, Debbie DeLeon, Dianne Holman, Randy Schafer and Board Chairperson Marc Thomas
Members Absent: None
Others Present: John Neilsen, Brian Koon, Ken Parr, Carol Parr, Renee Goff, Kyle Medaugh, Christine Medaugh, Peter Cohl, Robin Turner, Bill Cleary, Valerie Harr, Le’Ann Duran, Heather Fraizer, Alan Platt, Judith Cates, Steve Hummel, Al Daurs, Allan Spyke, David Fergason, James Webster, Linda Flanogan, Gordon Weller and others
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Copedge at 6:00 p.m. in the Personnel Conference Room of the Human Services Building, 5303 S. Cedar, Lansing.
Approval of the September 6, 2007 Minutes
MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. CELENTINO, TO APPROVE THE SEPTEMBER 6 MINUTES AS SUBMITTED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Absent: Comm. DeLeon
Additions to the Agenda
5. Action of Greater Lansing – Research Committee – Discussion
Limited Public Comment: None
(Comm. DeLeon arrived at 6:03 p.m.)
MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. CELENTINO, TO APPROVE A CONSENT AGENDA FOR THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
2. Prosecuting Attorney – Resolution to Accept a Grant from the U.S. Justice Department for a Domestic Assault Response Team Program and to Authorize Subcontracts with Agency Partners
3. Controller’s Office/Sheriff’s Office – Resolution to Authorize the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office to Renew a Contract with the Michigan Department of Corrections to Rent 190 Beds to Michigan Department of Corrections
4b. Integrated Justice Information Systems Group – IJIG’s Committee – Resolution to Authorize Funding for Acquiring WEB Online Services Development and Maintenance for the IJIS (Integrated Justice Information System)
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOVED BY COMM. SCHAFER, SUPPORTED BY COMM. CELENTINO, TO APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
1. Animal Control – Jamie McAloon-Lampman, Director – Discussion on Vicious Dogs
Ms. McAloon-Lampman stated the Ingham County Animal Control Office has been extremely successful in using the State’s Vicious Dog Laws to remove dangerous dogs from within the community. She then explained that this Law does not address potentially dangerous dogs. These dogs have demonstrated dangerous behaviors that are either threatening or harassing to humans and/or other animals.
Ms. McAloon-Lampman stated the addition of a “potentially dangerous dog” component to the current law would apply to animals who have repeatedly demonstrated threatening behavior towards other animals and humans. This law would enable animal control department to intervene rather than waiting until the animal commits a dangerous act. The law may provide the mechanism that could possibly prevent a brutal attack or even death of a companion animal or human life.
Ms. McAloon-Lampman stated she wanted to inform the Committee of this pending legislation. The Human Society of the United States is sponsoring this legislation.
5. Action of Greater Lansing – Research Committee
Mr. Cohl, County Attorney, explained that one Commissioner cannot speak for the Committee. The Committee speaks through its actions. He then addressed the Open Meetings Act. If a quorum of Commissioners are present at a meeting that has not been properly advertised, the Commissioners cannot take any formal actions. The Board of Commissioners must comply with the Open Meetings Act.
Chairperson Copedge stated he appreciates the Action of Greater Lansing (Action) for their interest in the issue of inmates’ reentry into the community. He also thanked Action for allowing him to be present at its forum Monday evening.
Mr. Weller, Co-Chair of Action, apologized if the Commissioners felt they were being personally attacked at the Monday meeting. He explained that members of Action have experienced difficulty in dealing with elected officials. Action does not believe that the County is doing enough to address the jail reentry issue. That is why the group was formed and the research was conducted. Action hopes this Committee will agree to form a subcommittee to address this matter.
Chairperson Copedge reinforced that he must act on the County Attorney’s advice. He explained that he did not want to mislead the group on Monday evening. If this Committee determines to implement a subcommittee, the 2008 Chair of this Committee will oversee that process. Chairperson Copedge further stated this Committee has been working on this issue for some time.
Ms. Medaugh, Action, stated the Action Research Committee has conducted a lot of research this summer on the issue of inmates returning to the community. Action is very excited and willing to share its information with this Committee. She also asked that this Committee form a subcommittee to address this issue.
Ms. Medaugh further stated Action is aware there are many ongoing initiatives to improve the Ingham County Jail. Action is fully supportive of these efforts. Ms. Medaugh reviewed some of
the research material that was supplied to the Committee.
She stated people who are sentenced to straight jail time are given almost no assistance in reintegrating in the community. Housing is a major concern with released inmates. The Board of Commissioners has held discussions about jail overcrowding, but it has not addressed community reentry. These initiatives are common in other municipalities. Ms. Medaugh reviewed initiatives from other states and Michigan Counties. She stated these initiatives have reduced jail bed usage.
The goal of Action is to assess the need for reentry services in Ingham County. If this Committee forms a subcommittee, Action would ask that it review the Calhoun County report and report its findings. Funding is available through the State of Michigan to support a pilot program based on the subcommittee’s recommendations.
Chairperson Thomas suggested that everyone keep an open mind during this discussion. The Commissioners may have questions and they may need to speak with the Sheriff and the Community Corrections Advisory Board. The goal should be to obtain more information to determine whether the County’s current release process should be improved.
Chairperson Copedge explained that applying for State funds involves meeting many State requirements.
Comm. Celentino asked about the Calhoun County jail release program. Ms. Medaugh explained Calhoun County has a Jail case manager who meets with each inmate prior to release. The case manager provides each inmate with appropriate information. Calhoun County does not pay for this program.
Comm. Celentino asked what process the Ingham County Jail follows when releasing inmates. Mr. Spyke, Ingham County Sheriff’s Office, stated the inmates are basically just released. Several programs are available to the inmates while incarcerated. Some of the programs are court ordered and others are voluntary. He also stated the Jail medical service has greatly improved since the Ingham County Health Department assumed this responsibility.
Mr. Webster, Ingham County Community Corrections, explained that Corrections Assessment and Treatment, C.A.T.S., is a court ordered program. The Community Corrections programs are mainly residential treatment programs. The House of Commons and Glass House are for released felons.
Ms. Cates spoke regarding the C.A.T.S. (Program). The Program has worked very hard to provide services to the inmates. Ingham County provides funding for a number of inmate programs which are provided through Community Mental Health. The County also funds a half-time case manager position for the jail diversion program.
Ms. Cates stated inmates with mental health issues are considered high risk individuals and they normally receive follow through services once they are released from jail. A continuum of care program is available for substance abusers.
Mr. Spyke stated the Ingham County Jail receives inmates every hour of the day. The Jail occasionally has to release inmates every hour of the day. The Board of Commissioners approved additional funds to provide transportation for inmates who are released after normal hours.
Ms. Cates stated she attended the Monday evening forum. She stated she was upset by the misinterpretation at that meeting that the County is not assisting the inmates. Chairperson Copedge and Comm. DeLeon have implemented a process to review what is currently being done and what changes may be warranted. Inmates have the ability to attend a number of programs while incarcerated.
Ms. Cates further stated it is inappropriate to compare Ingham County to other counties. The Action group should educate themselves on what the County does offer its inmates. The Commissioners also need to understand the Action’s position.
Ms. Flanogan, Action, apologized for any misconceptions from the Monday evening meeting. She stated the meeting was not a private process. Action is trying to determine what is available for inmates upon release from the Jail.
Comm. Schafer stated Action has provided some valid information. He then stated Chairperson Copedge has always conducted himself with the utmost dignity. Comm. Schafer stated he is proud to work with Chairperson Copedge.
Comm. Holman stated since the County already has similar inmate release programs, the County should limit its efforts to explore if some of its inmates are slipping through the cracks.
Comm. Tennis stated the County and the State of Michigan are dealing with budget concerns. The County is also trying to manage jail overcrowding. Action’s efforts may help address those two concerns. He then asked about Action’s goals. Ms. Medaugh stated Action’s goal is to identify inmates who are slipping through the cracks. She further stated Action would like the Committee to establish a task force of experts on this matter. The task force members should include CMH, Substance Abuse, Jail, Probation, etc.
Comm. DeLeon stated such a group already exists. She then stated the County does not use the term “jail re-entry” in its discussions. This may have led to some confusion. Comm. Celentino asked if this group could respond to the concerns of the Action group. Chairperson Copedge stated Action could be informed of the meeting dates so they may be included in their process.
Mr. Weller stated he appreciated the information Action received from the Committee this evening.
Ms. Duran, State of Michigan/Department of Corrections, stated the State has a contract with the National Institute of Corrections to provide technical assistance for jail re-entry programs. Ms. Duran stated she would like to make this service available to the Committee. Chairperson Copedge stated he appreciated this offer and then asked Ms. Duran for her business card.
MOVED BY CELENTINO, SUPPORTED BY COMM. SCHAFER, TO FORWARD THE RE-ENTRY INFORMATION TO MID SOUTH SUBSTANCE ABUSE COMMISSION, COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS, COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH AND THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE FOR REVIEW. THE ACTION GROUP WILL BE INFORMED OF MEETINGS WHEN THIS INFORMATION IS DISCUSSED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Chairperson Copedge explained that implementing additional jail re-entry programs will require additional funding to staff and manage such programs. He stated the County would appreciate any assistance Action could provide with this matter.
Comm. Celentino stated this Committee appreciates residents who identify concerns within the community and then bring those concerns to the County.
4a. Integrated Justice Information Systems Group - Demonstration by the IJIG’s Committee and WEBTecs, Inc. on the Proposed County Website that will Allow Specific and Secure Remote Access into the County’s CourtView Database
(All Judiciary Committee members were present for this discussion, with the exception of Comm. Weatherwax-Grant.)
Mr. Fergason stated the Integrated Justice Information Systems Group (IJIG’s) is proposing the County make data accessible over the web for many of its Court customers. Kent County has been using this application for approximately three years. Ms. Arcan, WEBTecs, Inc. will provide a power-point presentation to this Committee to show how the web system would work.
Ms. Arcan explained the website will allow residents and others to access available data without having to visit the courts. Court staff, the Sheriff’s Office and the Prosecutor’s Office will have free access to this website. The website will provide controlled access to court documents 24 hours per day.
The website will provide, in part, the following:
· Court Hearing Schedules
· Court Records look up
· Court Payments
· Prosecutor’s Case Look Up
· Juvenile Delinquent Case Look Up
· Child Protective Case Look Up
Ms. Arcan explained that Kent County provides court hearing dates two weeks out as the courts often change their hearing dates. Ingham County will establish its own policy on this issue. WEBTecs provides technical support through its help desk. Non-public cases will not be accessible on this website. Mr. Fergason stated it will be possible to see who accesses the website. The website will also provide security levels for staff purposes.
Announcements: None
Public Comment: None
The meeting adjourned at 7:33 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Neff