LIVE @ Buncombe County's Justice Resource Advisory Council Committee Meeting 01/10/20

Buncombe County Justice Resource Advisory Council Meeting Recap – January 10, 2020

On January 10, 2020, the Buncombe County Justice Resource Advisory Council (JRAC) convened for a productive meeting focused on strengthening the council's structure, addressing racial equity concerns within the criminal justice system, and planning for future initiatives. The meeting was attended by council members, county staff, and representatives from various community organizations involved in justice-related matters.

A significant portion of the meeting centered on modernizing JRAC’s governance. Currently operating under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the council is transitioning to bylaws, aiming for greater stability and streamlined decision-making. Key decisions were made regarding the council’s structure, including designating representatives through a written notification process to staff liaison, appointing the chair via County Manager selection and electing the vice-chair by JRAC vote. The committee also approved bi-monthly meetings for both JRAC and a newly established steering committee, granting the latter authority to make decisions on behalf of JRAC under specific circumstances. This shift is expected to provide a more robust and sustainable framework for the council’s work moving forward.

Beyond governance, discussions highlighted critical issues within Buncombe County's criminal justice system. Leanne Melton, Chief Public Defender, presented a detailed update from the Racial Equity Work Group (part of the Safety and Justice Challenge), revealing data-driven insights into racial disparities in booking rates, length of stay, and release processes within the detention facility. This presentation underscored a pressing need for improved data collection practices, particularly regarding race and ethnicity within the facility. Concerns were also raised about missing ethnicity data, emphasizing a commitment to ensuring equitable outcomes for all residents. The committee agreed to launch a community survey developed by the Racial Equity Work Group and Community Engagement group, further demonstrating their commitment to addressing systemic inequities.

The meeting also included discussions on several potential initiatives aimed at improving community access to justice. Amnesty Day planning was postponed due to staffing challenges, but the possibility of a driver's license restoration clinic – drawing on successful models from other jurisdictions – was explored, potentially in conjunction with a future Amnesty Day event. Furthermore, the committee acknowledged the importance of preparing for implementation of the Public Safety Assessment (PSA) tool.

What's Next?

Several key action items emerged from the meeting, outlining JRAC’s immediate priorities:

• Finalizing Bylaws: County staff will finalize the draft bylaws incorporating committee feedback.
• Expanding Membership: Staff will invite new members and organizations to join JRAC, ensuring diverse representation.
• Strategic Planning: The council will continue its strategic planning process to define a clear vision and priorities for the next two years.
• Data Improvement: Efforts will focus on improving data collection practices, particularly regarding race and ethnicity within the detention facility.
• Community Engagement: The community survey will be launched to gather valuable insights and feedback from residents.

This meeting demonstrated JRAC's dedication to improving the fairness and effectiveness of Buncombe County’s criminal justice system. The decisions made, coupled with ongoing efforts to address racial disparities and explore innovative solutions like driver's license restoration clinics, represent a significant step towards creating a more equitable and just community for all residents. The council’s focus on data-driven decision-making and increased community engagement will be crucial in achieving these goals.