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2008-966-Minutes for Meeting October 06,2008 Recorded 12/1/2008DESCHUTES COUNTY OFFICIAL RECORDS ~1 2008■g66 NANCY BLANKENSHIP, COUNTY CLERK COMMISSIONERS' JOURNAL 12/01/2008 08;22;49 AM 111111111I IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIlII 2008-96 Do not remove this page from original document. Deschutes County Clerk Certificate Page If this instrument is being re-recorded, please complete the following statement, in accordance with ORS 205.244: Re-recorded to correct [give reason] previously recorded in Book or as Fee Number and Page CC DESCHUTES COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY COORDINATING COUNCIL Monday, October 6, 2008 Allen Room, Second Floor County Administration Building, 1300 NW Wall, Bend, OR MINUTES Present were Judge Michael Sullivan; County Administrator Dave Kanner; Ken Hales, Corrections; Chief Ron Roberts, Redmond Police Department; Deevy Holcomb, Juvenile Department; Sheriff Larry Blanton; Hillary Saraceno, Commission on Children & Families; Scott Johnson, Mental Health Department; Ernie Mazorol, Court Administrator; Bob Warsaw of Oregon Youth Authority; Chief Sandi Baxter, Bend Police Department Shelly Smith, KIDS Center; Aaron Brenneman, defense attorney; Jesse Watkins, JBar J, Tanner Wark, Parole & Probation; and a representative of the media. No other citizens were present. Judge Sullivan opened the meeting at 3:35 p.m. 1. Call to Order & Introductions. Judge Sullivan introduced Shelly Smith, who now heads up the KIDS Center. She was originally from Bend but lived in Seattle for twenty years, and has a long career of working with nonprofit agencies. He said Shelly needs to get to know the other LPSCC members, as the interaction and good working relationship can be very helpful. Ken Hales moved approval of the appointment of Ms. Smith; Ernie Mazorol seconded. Approval was unanimous. Minutes of LPSCC Meeting Monday, October 6, 2008 Page 1 of 7 Pages 2. September Minutes. Ron Roberts moved approval; Larry Blanton seconded. Approval was unanimous. 3. Public Comment. None was offered. Judge Sullivan noted that he attended the presentation offered by Judge Sol Wachtler of New York is the guest speaker at their October 1 meeting. Judge Wachtler became mentally ill and eventually ended up in prison. He is now speaking on the issue of mental illness, and is concerned about the measures on the upcoming Oregon ballot. He said a lot of people attended and had much to learn from Judge Wachtler's experiences. Judge Sullivan praised the Sheriff's Office, who had a large number of attendees there. In their work they have a lot of contact with people with mental health issues, and were there to gain some knowledge of how to address the problem. Judge Sullivan added that he will try to arrange for Judge Wachlter to speak to the Judges' Education Committee and Presiding Judge Subcommittee members. 4. Juvenile Gang and Violence Assessment. Deevy Holcomb gave an update on the project, which includes an assessment of the status of gang activity, following a model used by many jurisdictions. They will adjust it to match local circumstances in the cities of Bend and Redmond. Information will be gathered from the Sheriff's Office and State Police as well. Since receiving the grant award, the mechanics have been put into place. The steering committee consists of District Attorney Mike Dugan, Chief Ron Roberts and Sheriff Blanton; their charge is to determine the problem, how to fix it and get all players together and using the same language. Minutes of LPSCC Meeting Monday, October 6, 2008 Page 2 of 7 Pages The assessment committee will look at the data; this committee includes someone from each school district, the university, police agencies and citizens. They are relying on U.S. Census Bureau information regarding the neighborhood makeup. The group would like to come to the LPSCC February meeting to do a final report. The definitions of gang activity widely differ. Oregon has no statewide statute addressing this; they looked at existing laws and the key elements, which could include any variety of criminal activity. One important aspect was how to determine if someone is a gang member. It is important to differentiate whether some is a gang member or an affiliate. It's been state that there is no such thing as a "wanna be". One aspect is whether the gang incidents are for the purpose of benefiting the group. Mr. Mazorol said that it is hard to find out if there are hard gangs here. Sandi Baxter noted that they are doing training with the schools about how to document and identify members. Chief Roberts stated that this is challenging, and a lot of work. Information is all over the board, and is not clearly defined anywhere in this area. Bob Warsaw added that the Oregon Youth Authority is trying to move forward with a curriculum and how to address gang type behavior. He provided some input that might be appropriate to incorporate in the study. Ms. Holcomb noted that one thing that seems to be missing here is gang territories. Mostly there are adolescent groups, delinquents that could morph into a real gang. Jesse Watkins of J Bar J said she runs into youth who often will embellish what they are doing in that regard. Mr. Warsaw observed that they get a lot of information from TV programs and by talking with others, but sometimes their activities don't match up with it. Judge Sullivan said he knows a Judge in Idaho who is seeing a real problem in his community with gang activity. The impression is once it is noticed, it is already a big problem and is hard to deal with. Minutes of LPSCC Meeting Monday, October 6, 2008 Page 3 of 7 Pages Sheriff Blanton and Mr. Warsaw stressed that adequate law enforcement and intervention can help a lot. Ms. Holcomb stated that in rural areas, gangs cycle and are much less stable. There is not a large enough population base to sustain them. Chief Baxter added that some come from other areas and try to establish the same thing in the new location. Aaron Brenneman said that you can sometimes tell from certain tattoos and behaviors. There is definitely some networking going on. It is a problem that is on its way here, as there is a lot more "tagging" now. Some of them do not talk about their gang affiliations. 5. Transitional Housing Scholarship Program. Ken Hales said he asked Tanner Wark of Parole & Probation to review this issue. Departments are facing tough fiscal times and are not in a position to sustain everything that has been established. They are looking for ways to prioritize services and provide those that are necessary. One critical issue is how to maintain financing for transitional living, which impacts everyone. Mr. Wark gave an overview of the program, which differs from the traditional program where the people are in one location with no end date for leaving. The scholarship program would require more accountability in transition. There would be intensive supervision, weekly check-in, and a voucher for hotel/motel lodging. This allows the Parole Officer to direct some resources to other programs. This also gives female offenders the same services. He believes this program will be easier to manage. Offenders will benefit from their successes. He would like to start the program later in the month. Mr. Hales added that there would still be staff at the transitional housing. They are remodeling the conference room for offices and will use the dorm area for staff. There will no longer be overnight stays. Minutes of LPSCC Meeting Monday, October 6, 2008 Page 4 of 7 Pages There is a small number transitioning out. This will cut down the number of people at the transitional location. There are 18 when there should be 12. There is the same liability of any parolee, and a lot more supervision being done, using other means to keep track. The transitional house is transitional living, not surveillance. They still have to beef up staff for security purposes. There is a need to be strategic and not place too many in one location and, for instance, perhaps not put one near a school. 7. Other Business. Judge Sullivan said that Sheriff Blanton spoke with Chief Baxter about an alcohol diversion program for 18-20 year olds so they don't lose their drivers' license due to a minor in possession charge. He understands that Judge Brady may be considering it. Judge Fadeley approached the Sheriff and asked for input on this idea. The Sheriff is not in favor of it. A Sheriff of another county rendered a hardship permit for a juvenile arrested for DUI, with tragic consequences. As it is now proposed, he does not favor it and there is too much liability. That particular law has done a lot to change behavior. Chief Roberts said he struggled with it, thinking about those who may have had a beer in a parking lot but weren't driving. MIP is different than DUI. He is supportive of diversion opportunities, but recognizes that this strategy reduces alcohol-related accidents in teens. Therefore, he agrees with the Sheriff. He has not yet seen an exceptions clearly defined. However, if someone is 18 and is caught with a beer at a party, perhaps there is an opportunity to do something to stop the behavior short of them losing their license. Mr. Brenneman said he has heard of using alcohol education classes, maybe AA, and community service. Perhaps this person should not lose his or her license. This has been done with marijuana diversion programs. It is a lot more expensive for them than paying for a citation. If properly structured, it can make sense. There is not enough alcohol education offered in the schools or elsewhere. Sheriff Blanton stated that perhaps they could lose their license until they finish the program. There have to be some consequences. Minutes of LPSCC Meeting Monday, October 6, 2008 Page 5 of 7 Pages Judge Sullivan noted that it is hard to put everyone into the same category. He does not want to be arbitrary. This could mean that someone loses their means to get to school or work. A big indicator of criminal activity is whether someone has a job. DUI can mean a lifetime suspension. If officers start citing all of these, it will drive up overtime costs and could amount to sixty additional cases a year in the courts. This is expensive to the agencies and the taxpayers. Chief Baxter said that there needs to be a separation between those who are just MIP at a party or are fighting or driving. Judge Sullivan stated that Judge Fadeley is a Justice of the Peace and the courts cannot tell him what to do. After years of discussions and shortfalls, they are concerned about police overtime. It will be expensive to try every case. Mr. Mazorol stated that he is unaware of Judge Brady considering diverting MIPs. These are violations so the District Attorney rarely has to appear. This has created a significant workload. If anyone is interested in hearing about DUI Court, meetings are taking place to start gathering best practice information. They are looking at the third time offender, the high offender, the nothing to lose offender. There are about 280 people beyond diversion, of which about 85 fall into the third time offense. Mr. Brenneman noted that for an MIP, the parents will probably hire an attorney and get the District Attorney involved. If there is a diversion program, there would be an option. Judge Sullivan said that the juvenile court is getting really backed up. They are not staffed adequately to take care of the large number of cases. Sheriff Blanton said that maybe they can suspend or restrict the license if the person is going through a program for MIP. He does not want them driving off out of fear. Chief Roberts added that he would not be supportive if there is other additional criminal behavior or a previous DUI. Judge Sullivan said that police officers have some discretion on the street and address a lot of issues then. Minutes of LPSCC Meeting Monday, October 6, 2008 Page 6 of 7 Pages Chief Baxter said that Parole and Probation is on board with a domestic violence roundup day on October 16. October is domestic violence prevention month. They are getting a plan together for this. There are about 60 outstanding warrants for domestic violence. They haven't done the background work to confirm that the addresses are still good. Judge Sullivan stated that it is a serious problem here but things are getting better. Several of the attendees noted that recent budget reductions are creating problems for them. Positions are being left vacant, agencies are short- staffed and it takes longer to respond. Mr. Brenneman said that there could be severe budget issues at the State level, especially in view of some of the ballot measures. Mr. Mazorol noted that if Measure 61 passes, with the economy as bad as it is, they are looking at an 18% reduction. Some costs are fixed, and most of the outlay is for personnel. This is not a good scenario for anyone in law enforcement or the courts. Being no further items discussed, the meeting adjourned at 4:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ,/f~- Bonnie Baker Recording Secretary Attachments Exhibit A: Agenda Exhibit B: Sign in sheets Exhibit C: Youth Gang Assessment Program Information Exhibit D: Transitional Housing Scholarship Program Information Minutes of LPSCC Meeting Monday, October 6, 2008 Page 7 of 7 Pages DESCHUTES COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY COORDINATING COUNCIL ,1,J~ ESC ~ Z Monday, October 6, 2008; 3:30 p.m. Allen Room, Second Floor County Administration Building, 1300 NW Wall, Bend, OR A enda Call to Order & Introductions* Judge Sullivan II September Minutes Attachment 1 Judge Sullivan Action: Approve minutes III Public Comment Judge Sullivan IV Juvenile Gang and Violence Assessment Attachment 2 Deevy Holcomb Action: Brief Council on status of project V Transitional Housing Scholarship Program Attachment 3 Tanner Wark Action: Brief Council on alternative approach to provide transitional housing VII Other Business Judge Sullivan z z V w VI Q w J L1. v 0 m v v a W O O N o 1-7 V p~ O O ~ J v v to n N C E C V Z rZ aC rJ b V B N a-.i c a~ E L U •F-) a 00 O N cu ri) ~J w~~y V Q 0 U v u v A w _ O c y Aa m o z U "on a E R 0 o G vi a v u O 'y ca o Q" ue m v o ° A s . 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C A• 0 V w ~ a w v U ~ a Fr O ~ v Q v a 0 0 u 'v oo bo 0 (n (Z (1) c U) • • • a, O v v V G1 U ~o u 0 0 0 ern _ m O p u v 0 00. ~ . 4 ono 0 v o A0 " u ~ N as • • LI) v yQ) v o(n c CZ m v v, C's 't3 tz' P-4 (1) CU U (n u ti N c6 Deschutes County 2008 Youth Gang Assessment Definitions' "Gang': An ongoing organization, association or group of three or more persons, whether formal or informal, which has a common name and/or identifying symbol, a high level of interaction with each other to the exclusion of others, whose members individually or collectively engage in or have engaged in a pattern of criminal activity* in Central Oregon. *This activity may or may not be linked to a specific neighborhood / location. Criminal activity includes any ORS listed crime, or offense committed by a youth that would be a crime if the youth were an adult. "Gang Member": 1. An individual who admits membership in a gang will be considered a gang member. 2. An individual who has not admitted membership in a gang must meet two of the following criteria to be considered a gang member: a. Has been identified as a gang member by a reliable informant, and that identity is corroborated by independent information; and/or b. Resides in or frequents in a particular gang area, affects gang style of dress, hand signs, symbols or tattoos, or maintains ongoing relationships with identified gang members; and/or c. Has been arrested in the company of identified gang members for offenses consistent with gang activity. "Gang Affiliate": An individual who neither admits membership in a gang, nor meets two of the listed criteria for gang membership, but is known to affiliate with identified gang members and law enforcement has established a reasonable suspicion that the individual is involved in criminal activity, or promotes criminal activity of a gang. "Gang Incident": Member-based: Incident involving an identified gang member, regardless of what prompted the commission of the incident. Motive-based: Incident that furthers the ends of the gang " Determined after examination of common legal and research based definitions by: Mike Dugan, District Attorney; Chief Ronnie Roberts, Redmond Police Department and Scott Johnson, Mental Health Director. Attachment 3 Deschutes County Transitional Housing Scholarship Program (THSP) Purpose The purpose of the Transitional Housing Scholarship Program (THSP) is to provide transitional housing in a manner that promotes offender success and accountability. Target Population The THSP will serveadult offenders who have been released to probation, parole or post prison supervision following a term of incarceration. Cost of Program Annual program cost is projected to be $80,000 to service approximately 12 offenders a day and 120 offenders annually. Program Design THSP is a housing subsidy program. THSP consists of the following program components: 1. It is a community stabilization program that may last up to 30 days. 2. THSP vouchers will be renewed weekly depanding on program compliance. 3. THSP will use motels and nonprofit housing resources throughout the entire Deschutes County area. 4. THSP will screen and approve individual offender housing locations. 5. THSP will monitor. placements to prevent too many offenders in any single location. 6. THSP will serve both male and female offenders Offender Eligibility To be considered for THSP an incarcerated offender must submit a release plan to his or her release counselor or parole and probation officer (PPO), have served over 60 days of incarceration and have no viable housing resources. If the offender's release plan contains a THSP request and is initially approved by the release counselor or parole and probation officer the THSP request will be forwarded to the THSP coordinator who will approve or reject scholarship requests based on the merits of the request and funding availability. If the THSP request has been approved the offender will be notified by the release counselor or PPO and be entered into the THSP tracking system. Following release from custody at intake the PPO will review THSP requirements with the offender and provide the offender a THSP voucher good for one weeks housing at the approved location. Program Coordinator Responsibilities The program coordinator will oversee implementation of the THSP. The program coordinator's responsibilities include: 1. Approve or reject scholarship requests 2. Manage available funds 3. Recommend approval of payments to provider 4. Develop and manage agreements with providers 5. Insure tracking system is maintained and up to date PPO Responsibilities The PPO supervising a THSP participant will enforce THSP program conditions in addition to customary conditions of supervision. PPO responsibilities include: 1. Weekly office visits to issue vouchers 2. Weekly review of offender's community transitional plan 3. Bi-weekly home visits 4. Monitor offender compliance 5. Weekly urine analysis