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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-05-16 PSCC Meeting MinutesFor Recording Stamp Only DESCHUTES COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY COORDINATING COUNCIL TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2016 Deschutes Services Building, 1300 NW Wall, Bend, OR MINUTES OF MEETING 1. Call to Order & Introductions. Judge Sullivan called the meeting to order at 3:35 p.m., and the attendees introduced themselves. Present were Judge Michael Sullivan; Judge Alta Brady; Tom Anderson, County Administrator; Shane Nelson, Sheriff; Jim Porter, Bend Police Chief; Jeff Hall, Court Administrator; Chief Dave Tarbet, Redmond Police Department; Ken Hales, Community Corrections; Jane Smilie, Health Services; Shelley Smith, KIDS Center; and John Hummel, District Attorney. Also in attendance were Jacques DeKalb, defense attorney; Steve Reinke, 911 Director; citizen member Dave Cook; citizen Marilyn Burwell of the Restorative Justice Group, and a representative of The Bulletin. 2. February Minutes The minutes were moved, seconded and unanimously approved. 3. Public Comment None was offered. Minutes ofPSCC Meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2016 Page 1 of8 Minutes of PSCC Meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2016 Page 2 of 8 4. Criminal Justice Commission LPSCC Staffing Proposal Ken Hales discussed a letter which would go to the Criminal Justice Commission regarding a grant that would allow facilitation of local Public Safety Coordinating Councils. It has been observed that smaller counties have a lack of dedicated staff to conduct PSCC business, and this inhibits activities. The CJC has developed have a concept to employ or share an individual’s time to staff the council. The logistics are unknown at this point, but the person would not be employed by the Council. He attended one meeting with other counties to talk about this, but there is still a lot of ambiguity and unknown factors. The CJC would like at least a letter of support to get the application submitted, and see where it goes. He referred to notes from the CJC and the letter. He feels there is no down side to trying this. The counties would become the subgrantees. John Hummel asked if this would be for all PSCC’s or just some. Mr. Hales replied that there are various levels. He added that the person would likely be employed by Deschutes County, as a limited term employee, based on grant funds. The grant would be for three years to determine if it is worthwhile to continue. Mr. Hummel stated that his office is involved in doing data work with a .25 position, but in three years the project will be done and perhaps the person could shift to this. There is too much internal work in his office at this point. Mr. Hales said that the person would serve the Chair and work to facilitate the business of PSCC. This person would not be doing minutes, but would communicate with council members, sit in on staff meetings to understand what is going on and what the priorities are, and would do research on behalf of PSCC. Tom Anderson noted that if this program was successful, perhaps the person could help with other County needs, based on the will of the Chair and PSCC. Judge Sullivan added that it would be beneficial to have more information and data available to PSCC members for decision-making purposes. Mr. Hales said he feels positive about the grant. The CJC is also mixing in some grant funds of its own, and will try to put this program into place regardless of the grant. Representatives of the CJC will visit and speak to PSCC if desired. Minutes of PSCC Meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2016 Page 3 of 8 BRADY: Move signature of the letter. COOK: Second. VOTE: Unanimous in support. 5. Access to Justice Committee Jeff Hall explained that about six months ago, there were discussions of the Court and Bar regarding access to justice issues, in particular relating to the Law Library. Under contract, they moved the Law Library to the Deschutes Library System, and have seen positive results from this already. A committee was formed to work on access to justice issues. Most of this is civil, and the biggest gap is in family law and probate guardianship. The committee was jointly chartered by the Court and the Bar, and they are looking forward to building upon the new partnership with the Library System, since the libraries are countywide. There have been some suggestions of doing some pro bono work and using the libraries as a base. They are looking at ideas on how to get to court records and change statewide policy on access. The committee was just formed, and they are working on a couple of additional seats. They are examining data to figure out where the gaps are. This is the only such committee in the State. The jointly-chartered partnership of the local Bar and the Courts is significant. Judge Sullivan asked if they know how many dissolutions are not represented. Mr. Hall replied that they don’t know the exact number, but the person who does the filing as unrepresented is about 70% or more. Judge Sullivan noted there may be 1,000 cases a year. People often do not know how to do this appropriately, and it can affect law enforcement. They need to get a handle on this, to give citizens and law enforcement some guidance. This results in calls to 911 as well. This is a huge undertaking, but worthy of consideration and action. Dave Cook said that if there are 1,000 dissolution filings and 700 of those are not represented, this sounds like an enormous challenge. He asked about the potential impact. Mr. Hummel responded that it depends on how they catch them. They would need to advertise this and see how many want to get engaged. The impact is significant if they get involved; this allows for filings for divorce and custody, which is difficult for most people to do on their own. Some might need just a little advice. Minutes of PSCC Meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2016 Page 4 of 8 Judge Brady added that the facilitator can provide some information at the time of filing, but cannot provide representation. The person on the receiving end won’t get much support. Judge Sullivan said that they have a pro se clerk and forms are available on line, which can add to what the Law Library offers. Mr. Hummel stated that sometimes people have just one question and don’t need full representation. Fifteen minutes with a lawyer at the Law Library won’t do it all, but it can help point people in the right direction. Sometimes the bulk of these cases are with people in lower income brackets that don’t have a lot of complex assets. However, there may be children. Mr. Cook said that he supports making the system more efficient. Judge Sullivan added that the individuals cannot file their papers if not done right, and this should help with doing that. There is one question the clerk can’t answer, regarding custody. A Judge has to make the decision for sole custody. But it would be good to have help available for perhaps one or two questions. Judge Brady indicated that there is another piece to this. Some information is available on line, for instance whether something has been filed, but can only be accessed at the courthouse. This is current statewide policy. They are looking at how to allow people to view this information from elsewhere, to at least be able to check on the status. Judge Sullivan added that it might be helpful to have those records available to law enforcement as well. Technology should be able to allow for this. 6. 911 Ballot measure Steve Reinke provided an update on the upcoming 911 levy ballot measure. This is on the May 17 ballot for permanent funding. He said he has been working on this for a long time, with the user board and all the partners and customer agencies. They set on 42.5 cents per thousand, up 6.75 cents from the current combined rates. This will enable operations to continue without having to ask for funds every five years, and will allow 911 to have the responsibility of the public radio systems for all agencies. This consolidation will be much more efficient and cost-effective. Minutes of PSCC Meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2016 Page 5 of 8 The current levy expires in 2018, and this will replace it at a maximum of 42.5 cents. The group will be judicious and not impose the maximum until it is absolutely necessary, about 2030 and beyond. They will keep it where it is for the next two years to finish off the current operating levy time. There was an estimate of $13 million to build and operate the new system. The antiquated system is hanging on, but it is no longer supported by the manufacturer and parts and software are no longer available. By partnering with the State, 911 was able to reduce the cost by half. Permanent funding will allow for operations and maintenance of the system, and its eventual replacement when it becomes obsolete, perhaps in fifteen years or so. The main focus is permanent funding; something stable that they can count on. This is important not only for 911 but for the partners and agencies that depend on these services. These are the facts that can be shared by anyone. However, elected officials and private citizens can certainly advocate for this beyond the bare facts. Judge Sullivan asked if the current system has to deal with dead spots. Mr. Reinke replied that this is a problem, but it will be greatly improved through better equipment and adding State sites around the County. They have three sites in Bend and two in Redmond, which will in particular enable penetration into dense buildings where they cannot get a signal now. Communications will be greatly enhanced. The State wants as much success as possible at the County level and then for the entire State. They are hoping for similar partnerships all around. Judge Sullivan asked if the Sheriff’s Office is asked to help in another area, will this system work there. Mr. Reinke replied that it reaches into the edges of the other counties. It is good in Jefferson and Crook counties. Often law enforcement will operate on the other agency’s system, but the Sheriff’s Office will have dual coverage. As another benefit of the partnership, the State provided a grant to enhance this interoperability, especially in the case of a major event. This provides a bridge for command control and functional units. Judge Sullivan asked if it will into Harney or Klamath counties. Mr. Reinke said he could not answer that at this time, but can find out. Chief Jim Porter stated that they have repeaters in place, so law enforcement can use its own frequencies in those locations. Minutes of PSCC Meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2016 Page 6 of 8 Chief Dave Tarbet asked what other agencies might be able to use the system. Mr. Reinke replied that one big benefit is that they will have capacity for road departments, public works, the fairgrounds, schools and others. The devices do not have to be expensive portables, either. Smart phones can be enhanced for the casual user. Radio use over IP systems will be at a very low cost. Sheriff Nelson noted that this levy is important for public safety in this County and beyond. 7. Other Business Mr. Hales referenced a flyer in the agenda packets regarding a pretrial supervision summit meeting, if some of the members want to keep informed about this. There is no cost. __________________________ Sheriff Nelson stated that he and Jane Smilie were tasked with looking at logistics for a sober station, and then gave a progress report. He said that a terrific group looked at this in depth with community partners, and they continue to have discussions to outline the logistics. There have been some financial commitments, but the grant does not cover the cost of the entire program. They have identified a potential site, but this still needs more work. There are no zoning obstacles. Given the existing assets from Health and the Sheriff’s Office, it is hoped that staffing can be handled by current employees. They will reconvene the group within the next couple of weeks to talk about the layout and look for additional resources. They will contact medical and law enforcement partners to get closer to making this a reality. As he always says, from the Sheriff’s Office’s standpoint, diverting the vulnerable from the criminal justice system is proactive and beneficial. Jane Smilie added that they are making some good progress in finding some one-time only funding. They wrote a grant to the State and obtained a commitment for some funding for staff. She feels this could be a reality. Citizen Marilyn Burwell asked where the station would be located. Sheriff Nelson said it would be on the public safety campus, using existing resources. __________________________ Minutes of PSCC Meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2016 Page 7 of 8 Shelly Smith reminded the attendees of April being Child Abuse Awareness Month, and provided materials for agencies to distribute. __________________________ Mr. Hall spoke about release officer funding, which has progressed in the past few years. With good information up front, the release officer can make informed decisions and is able to release some prisoners earlier. __________________________ Judge Sullivan asked what the daily population of the jail is. Sheriff Nelson said that it ranges from 220 to 240. It is fairly consistent, but bookings increased by about 100 so far this year, with a total of about 6,700. There has been no real decline in bookings. Mr. Hales was asked how many individuals are using electronic monitoring devices; he replied there are about 114. This has gone down since last year. Most of these individuals are on pretrial release. The cost for this is about $10 a day, versus about $100 a day for someone to be in the jail. __________________________ Sheriff Nelson emphasized that the Court Release Office program illustrates the partnership as well. Some offenders need to be in jail. However, if someone can be released or monitored so that they can pursue a job or keep stable housing, it is important to look at options. It is all about being productive. He explained, for example, that one individual used to end up in the jail about every thirty days. Finally, this person was able to get a stable job and housing and was doing well. He missed a Parole Officer appointment, and at that point was looking at a sanction; however, someone at the Sheriff’s Office saw it and asked Mr. Hales if there was another way to work this out. They found a means to an appropriate result so that the person could keep his job and housing, and they have not had him back in the jail since. Being no other business discussed, Judge Sullivan adjourned the meeting at.4:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ~~ Bonnie Baker Recording Secretary Attachments · Agenda · Sign-in sheets · CJC PSCC staffing proposal and letter of support · Access to Justice Committee update · Oregon Pretrial Justice Summit tlyer Minutes ofPSCC Meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2016 Page 8 of8 DESCHUTES COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY COORDINATING COUNCIL Tuesday, April 5, 2016 - 3:30 PM Allen Room, Deschutes Services Building, 1300 NW Wall St., Bend, OR AGENDA I Call to Order & Introductions Chair Sullivan II February Minutes Attachment 1 Chair Sullivan Action: Approve minutes III Public Comment Chair Sullivan IV Criminal Justice Commission LPSCC Staffing Proposal Attachment 2 Ken Hales Action: Authorize Chair to sign letter of support V Access to Justice Committee Attachment 3 Jeff Hall Brief Council on committee development VI 911 Ballot measure Steve Reinke Brief Council on upcoming ballot measure VII Other Business Attachment 4 Chair Sullivan PLEASE SIGN IN PSCC Meeting Tuesday, April 5, 2016 (Please Print) Name .Repres~nting -- G~t ~;2-.etf\ ­rtJit.,,;£"'" K~~U I 'Y~ ~ L_.t rc....t.I,+-u,-£r+­~Q~~-~\ --­_~~J2nor ~~~' bsu-{u~ Ca.;.J\1 S;, t),~b N8-So ,J - Jtl)/\/\ AUIV1.fv\e _'b~sch. ':b.~. ~ _ ~ :JGJe '2tt~c$K~ ~ .. atr,~_~e~~~ -....J2~~ ­ C/,~_~ c..o v ;e.:1/tv-rn-6~ ------~ h\1C1W ~~~·v~ 5~j6k ~,:~c Swd]~ C;YY\--' I~ ~-Cvvvi {J M~ ~h<-_ ­-l Please erturn to BOCC Secretary. ----- --- ------- -- ------- ---- ------ PLEASE SIGN IN PSCC Meeting Tuesday, AprilS, 2016 (Please Print2 Name ReQrese!1ting - ~ -1-£~lK ~rlk Cf--(---( ~ ~~~<?UE-~ ~0Ll3 ­:D~P£,N5E A777JI(f?AJ€Y­I -­~€/~ P.D. ;:fL""-\. P0 f2lro1 - - ----. ­ - - - Please erturn to BOCC Secretary. Deschutes County Public Safety Coordinating Council 1300 NW Wall, Bend, OR, Tom Anderson County Administrator Tammy Baney, Vice-chair County Commissioner Alta Brady Presiding Judge David Cook Citizen Member Jacques DeKalb Attorney at Law Ken Hales Community Justice Director Jeff Hall Trial Court Administrator John Hummel District Attorney Donna McClung Oregon Youth Authority Supervisor Shane Nelson County Sheriff Jim Porter Bend Police Chief Steve Reinke 911 Service District Director Jane Smilie Health Services Director Shelly Smith Citizen Member Michael Sullivan, Chair Citizen Member Dave Tarbet Redmond Police Chief Don Wagner Oregon State Police Commander Keith Witcosky Redmond City Manager April 5, 2016 U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs Bureau of Justice Assistance Re: Oregon Criminal Justice Commission's Bureau of Justice Assistance Justice Reinvestment Initiative Maximizing State Reforms FY 2016 Application Dear Review Committee: The Deschutes County Public Safety Coordinating Council (Council) is providing this letter of support for the Criminal Justice Commission's Maximizing State Reforms FY 2016 Application. Deschutes County has a population of 180,000 and is one of the fastest growing counties in the nation. This growth brings new public safety challenges. The Council is uniquely positioned to plan for and coordinate efforts to address its community's public safety needs. The Council meets regularly and its members are active. The Council advises the Deschutes County Board of County Commissioners how to use Oregon State resources for community based adult and juvenile crime prevention and correctional services. The Council is also tasked with coordinating local criminal and juvenile justice policy among affected criminal justice entities. Coordinating local criminal and juvenile justice policy is complex and it requires on going attention to be worthwhile. The Council has no staff. An individual dedicated to support the Council and facilitate its business is necessary for the Council to enhance its ability to plan and coordinate public safety services. A staff person could gather information, do analysis, and communicate with Council members between business meetings to identify issues for Council attention. Prior to learning of the Maximizing State Reforms grant opportunity individual Council members have discussed the value this kind of resource would bring the Council. This grant is an opportunity to bring that about. Thank you for your consideration of the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission's application. Sincerely, ~L .~ Michael C. Sullivan, Sr. Judge Chair, Deschutes County Public Safety Coordinating Council Council Secretary Bonnie Baker (541) 388-6572; Bonnie.Baker@deschutes.org; Criminal Justice Commission LPSCC Staffing Proposal According to the National Institute of Corrections, lack of dedicated staff is a top reason public safety coordinating councils become ineffective and eventually inactive. Oregon’s 36 Local Public Safety Coordinating Councils (LPSCCs) face diverse challenges. LPSCCs without dedicated staff have less capacity to engage in planning and collaboration. We know that dedicated staff is a key to having a successful LPSCC. The Criminal Justice Commission (CJC) proposes funding a shared full-time LPSCC coordinator position to small groups of counties (2 to 4). Evidence shows that having full-time dedicated staff enhances the productivity of LPSCC meetings. More productive meetings maximize the time and contribution of members, and strengthens collaboration. The coordinator will serve five major functions within a LPSCC:  Provide administrative support  Facilitate county-level collaboration  Coordinate with the CJC and local agencies to present LPSCC with data and analysis to inform discussion and decision-making  Assist LPSCC membership in identifying and addressing local issues, goals, and planning needs, as well as potential state and federal resources  Ensure LPSCC’s statutory responsibilities are met Justice Reinvestment has resulted in an increased statewide focus on the importance of counties identifying local needs and goals through data-informed system collaboration. Professional staff will enhance the LPSCCs’ capacity to build on the work they are already doing in a way that will have local, regional and statewide benefits. Funding: The CJC is pursuing a BJA Maximizing Justice Reinvestment Grant of $1.75 million to fund coordinators for 5 to 6 county groupings across the state. All four RIC regions will be represented. As the primary applicant, CJC will write the grant and, if awarded, position funds will be passed through to the county. The funding will continue annually for three years. Training and Support: The CJC is committed to providing annual trainings and ongoing support to LPSCC coordinators. LPSCC coordinators will have access to general membership in the National Network of Criminal Justice Coordinating Councils which provides online education resources and networking. Questions? Contact Madeleine Dardeau, Criminal Justice Commission Grant Analyst: madeleine.e.dardeau@oregon.gov What A collaborative learning opportunity for counties who are developing evidence-based pretrial justice systems. Goals Increase collaboration, cross-learning and support among Oregon Counties. Explore the need for new statewide pretrial legislation. Maximize: 1) Community Safety; 2) Pretrial Release; and 3) Appearance in Court. When Friday, June 3, 2016 8:30 am - 4:00 pm. Where McMinnville Civic Center, 230 NE 2nd St., McMinnville, OR 97128 Who Stakeholder Teams from Interested Counties: Judges, Prosecutors, Defense Attorneys, Police, Jail Administrators, Community Corrections, Victim Advocates, County Officials, Community Members..... Topics Essential elements of a high performing pretrial system. Research on pretrial effectiveness. Leading change. Supporting Victims. Constitutional and case law on pretrial. Pretrial developments in Oregon (Yamhill and Multnomah) and Nationally (Kentucky...). Faculty Oregon and National Leaders who are Implementing Pretrial Justice Systems. Oregon Pretrial Justice Summit Yamhill County Department of Community Justice Oregon Criminal Justice Commission Bureau of Justice Assistance, US Department of Justice Please RSVP to Jessica Beach, beachj@co.yamhill.or.us or telephone 503 474-4942. Space is limited.