LIVE @ Buncombe County's Justice Resource Advisory Council (JRAC) Meeting 11/01/19

Buncombe County JRAC Meeting Recap: Addressing Jail Populations, Restorative Justice & Honoring a Leader

On November 1st, the Buncombe County Justice Resource Advisory Council (JRAC) convened for a full agenda meeting, live-streamed by Sunshine Request. This recap summarizes the key discussions, decisions, and next steps for residents interested in understanding criminal justice initiatives within our county. The meeting focused on jail population data, progress with the Safety and Justice Challenge grant, and a significant exploration of restorative justice practices in our schools. A substantial portion was also dedicated to honoring the memory and contributions of Ryan Hastings, a beloved member of JRAC.

A major focus of the meeting was understanding and addressing jail population trends. Vivian and Lee Grayson presented updates on current jail populations, referencing a baseline established in 2017-2018. Discussions highlighted the significant impact of failure to appear in court as a contributing factor to jail occupancy, prompting ongoing efforts to secure data and implement notification systems. The group reviewed the progress of the Safety and Justice Challenge grant, marking a successful first year. Looking ahead, Vivian will update grant calculations to reflect increased population numbers and continue analyzing data related to jail trends – including gender and racial breakdowns. This ongoing analysis informs strategies aimed at reducing our county’s jail population and addressing underlying causes of incarceration.

A particularly engaging portion of the meeting centered on restorative justice practices, featuring a panel discussion with experts from Campbell University School of Law, United Way, and local schools. Panelists discussed the principles of restorative justice – focusing on building relationships and addressing harm through community-building circles - and shared early results from implementation in Buncombe County schools. Following the panel, a Q&A session allowed community members to engage with presenters and discuss implementation strategies. This conversation underscored the importance of community involvement in fostering a space where restorative justice can flourish, as noted by John Powell.

Beyond these core discussions, the meeting included several important updates and acknowledgements. Commissioner Beach delivered a heartfelt tribute to Ryan Hastings, recognizing his dedication to criminal justice reform and positive impact on the community. Announcements included updates on the opioid town hall, School Justice Partnership Community event, and preparations for the North Carolina Shares Association Conference. The group also discussed upcoming implementation of "Raise the Age" legislation at Madison and Alexandria Detention facilities, requiring careful preparation.

What's Next? Key Action Items for Residents to Watch:

The JRAC meeting concluded with a clear outline of next steps, demonstrating the council's commitment to ongoing progress. Here’s what residents can expect:

• Data-Driven Strategies: Vivian and Lee will continue analyzing jail population data to inform future strategies.
• Addressing Failure to Appear: Efforts will continue to secure data and implement notification systems to reduce failure-to-appear rates.
• Restorative Justice Expansion: Schools will continue implementing restorative practices, focusing on relationship-building and proactive community circles.
• Deflection Strategy Review: The Sheriff’s office will analyze citation practices to explore deflection opportunities.
• Wet Shelter Exploration: The group will continue exploring a pilot program for a wet shelter.
• Bylaws Finalization: The group will finalize draft bylaws in preparation for the December 6th meeting.
• Racial Equity Work: The racial equity work group will continue their analysis and reporting.

The JRAC’s ongoing efforts represent a commitment to addressing complex criminal justice challenges in Buncombe County. By focusing on data-driven strategies, restorative practices, and community engagement, the council aims to create a more just and equitable system for all residents. Residents can stay informed about JRAC's progress by following updates from Buncombe County and Sunshine Request.