Jail study group seeks public input

A public meeting meant to give input to a group studying Eau Claire County's justice system will begin at 9 a.m. Thursday in Room G034 of the courthouse, 721 Oxford Ave.

The National Institute of Corrections, which is part of the U.S. Department of Justice, has scheduled a community forum and plans to reveal research results.

Today and Wednesday, NIC officials plan to visit with local officials, including those who work in the jail.

The study is expected to provide advice on constructing the county's new jail; work is scheduled to begin in the fall.

above from the leader telegram

The information below came from Bruce Willett and Tom McCarty.

Date: February 18, 2008

From: Bruce Willett, County Board Chairman Tom McCarty, County Administrator

To: County Board Members City Council Members Mike Huggins, City Manager Mike Felton, Department of Corrections

Re: NIC Justice System Analysis; Community Meeting

The National Institute of Corrections (NIC) will be conducting a Local Justice System Assessment of Eau Claire County February 19-21, 2008. The assessment process will include interviews with key criminal justice policy makers and support groups associated with the jail, which will be conducted February 19-20th at the Eau Claire County courthouse, room 2532. On Thursday, February 21st the NIC consultants will be conducting a community meeting (9am-3pm) in room G034 of the courthouse to present their findings and hold an open forum discussion. You are invited to attend and participate in this discussion (a tentative agenda is enclosed). Also enclosed are four background items that have been forwarded by the NIC team for review prior to the interviews/forum. Copies of these materials will also be available in the Eau Claire County Administration office. Please contact the Administration office if you have questions regarding this project, and with your intent to attend (RSVP’s appreciated, but not required).

Phone: (715) 839-4835 Fax: (715) 839-6243 Email: admin@co.eau-claire.wi.us

Tentative Agenda

Community Meeting Eau Claire County Local Justice System Assessment Thursday, February 21, 2008 Eau Claire County Courthouse, Room G034 9am-3pm

1. Introduction of National Institute of Corrections (NIC) Consultants

2. Review of Proposed Agenda

3. Brief Overview of Services Provided by the NIC

4. Jail and Justice System Overview

a. Admissions and length of stay

b. Agency impacts on jail population

c. Managing jail (over)crowding

5. Jail Population and Bed Space

6. Seven Key Justice System Decision Points / Discussion

7. Justice System Trends in Eau Claire County

8. Comparison of ECC Justice System to Other Wisconsin Counties

9. Summary of Consultant Findings and Observations / Discussion

10. Major Choices and Challenges for Eau Claire County

11. Recommended Planning Process

12. Correctional Sanctions and Services Matrix

13. Consultant Recommendation

14. Action Planning / Discussion

15. Closing by Eau Claire County Officials

16. Adjourn