HomeMy WebLinkAbout20153402.tiff WELD COUNTY
►1�' ��''� =i j ` CRIMINAL JUSTICE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
Date: Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Centennial Center Building, 3rd Floor, Conference Rooms A & B
915 10th Street, Greeley
Present: Judge James Hartmann, Judge Thomas Quammen, Judge Michele Meyer,
Rick Dill, Keith Coleman, Craig Miller, Jim Merson, Ryan Broswell,
Roger Ainsworth, Dionne Sund, Dawn Jones, Matt Elbe, Kendall
Alexander, Kim Collins, Trevor Jiricek, Robb Miller, Karen Salaz, Jeff
French, Michelle Hunter, Doug Erler and Dianna Campbell
Chair, Judge Hartmann, called the meeting to order at 12:06 p.m.
Introduction of attendees.
AGENDA
1. Meeting Minutes:
A. Judge Quammen motioned to accept the April 14, 2015 meeting minutes with no
changes, Karen Salaz seconded and the motion carried.
2. Presentation — Part Two: Jail Based Behavioral Services ("JBBS") — Weld County
Sheriff's Office
A. Matt Elbe, Clinical Director with the WCSO and Dawn Jones, Case Manager with
Behavioral Treatment Services (JBBS) program. The presentation was a follow up to
their previous presentation in April. The program is state funded to embed staff into
the jail and then provide a continuum of services upon release of defendants or
offenders to include treatment and case management. The program is on its third
year. Mr. Elbe focused on if the program was working with its intended purpose.
Mr. Elbe first presented two charts, "Days of Received JBBS Services In Custody"
broken into 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 to answer the question, "What is the length of
time that services are received in custody and what is the impact on engagement after
release?" Length of time was separated into intervals, 1-30 days, 31-60 days, 61-90
days and 91+ days. Post-release engagement was marked by 1 month, 2 months, 6
months and 12 months. He noted that 2012-2014 was most representative as not all
2014-2015 clients have been released to the community. Therefore, engagement in
the community cannot be accurately tracked. He highlighted that clients receiving
services 31-90 days had better services' engagement. Judge Hartmann inquired
which types of defendants are targeted, pre or post-conviction? Ms. Jones indicated
that defendants with a "hard release" date are easier to serve, as follow-up
appointments (medications, treatment, and with a doctor) can be set-up around the
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release date. Sentenced defendants are the priority. With increased staffing, the goal
is to assess everyone and to identify target clientele, eligible for community release.
Dionne Sund from ICCS, inquired if the PSI was available to JBBS; Mr. Elbe
responded that they do not. Jim Merson with the PD, followed, asking if JBBS
provides input into the PSI. It is not occurring at this time, however, down the road
Matt would like to expand to the whole team. Mr. Elbe did note that PSI writers
request records from the jail that indicate type of programs and services.
The next question Mr. Elbe addressed, "Is there a benefit of having court
involvement, condition of bond?" Mr. Elbe had submitted an approved proposal for
this current year with a model that includes staffing model for community services.
However, it was recently discovered that there is a 60-day cap in services provided in
the community. With that said, he does not believe that court involvement would be
beneficial. He likes that it is a voluntary program and produces a stronger therapeutic
alliance with no strings attached. The focus after release is to keep the clientele
engaged at the front end and transitioning to a different provider. He did clarify that
there are no restrictions on the length of services while in-custody. While the
community limitations are disappointing, it is not the intent of the funding. For a
seamless transition, JBBS is mirroring the groups that are offered in the community
setting within the jail, a "mini North Range Behavioral Health" in the jail. Case
Management services can be provided for one year after release.
The final question, "What are the challenges that other areas are experiencing?" In
Jefferson County for example, they work with three community providers.
Additionally, other areas have had a different model that does not focus on
community engagement and are now finding it to be a needed area.
3. Subcommittee Reports:
A. Sheriffs Office Jail Reports— Roger Ainsworth reported on Weld County Jail
Admission Information, 5,353 bookings (2.7% increase from 2014), 614 is the daily
average population (increased by 16 persons compared to 2014), average length of
stay is 20.8 days (remains the same compared to 2014). At 80% capacity, that office
may look to open other parts of jail and increase staffing. Probation Violation
warrant arrests (excluding domestic violence or DUI) increased from 201 to 356
(+77.1%). New criminal charges (excluding outstanding warrants, domestic violence
or traffic) increased from 795 to 933 (+17.4%). Civil emergency commitments
decreased from 59 to 54 (-8.5%). This was partly due to a miscommunication with
detox refusals; expect civil commitments to increase. From the review of the
Detention Division Trend Charts, Mr. Ainsworth commented that the average length
of stay remains static, in May, they exceeded a 650 daily population and over 900
defendants were booked in June.
Ryan Broswell presented the Work Release program information. He stated that
orientation numbers are down; however, yesterday they had 18 offenders for
orientation. He noted that there were a slight increase of successful completions and
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absconders, while regressions have decreased. He attributed the decrease in
regression do to staff training and setting clear expectations. For the EHM program,
the successful completion rate increased from 91%the previous year to 98%this
current year. Ms. Sund inquired, "Who approves regressions?" Shift supervisors
approve regressions for Work Release and EHM program and then they are reviewed
at the jail. In the works is to redirect EHM regressions from straight time to serving
the remainder of their time in Work Release. Regressed offenders can motion the
court for this alternative. The overall impact is minor as there were 39 EHM
regressions last year and there have been nine EHM regressions YTD. Work Release
would continue with mitt violation notices to the court. Probation does not receive
notice of mitt violations. Ryan reiterated that Work Release regressions could not be
re-sentenced to the program for the same case; however, the offenders can be
sentenced to Work Release for another matter.
B. Pretrial Services Reports—Dianna Campbell, Pretrial Services Supervisor reported
on the statistics for the Pretrial Services (PTS) program for January through June
2015. She reported on average year-to-date, 87.3% public safety rate, which means
that 1,068 cases did not have new alleged charges out of 1,225 closed cases. Of the
new alleged charges, 4% were for felonies and 7% were misdemeanors. Technical
violations are typically for positive urinalyses, missed urinalyses and lost contact; the
technical compliance rate is 90.2%. The Court Appearance Rate is 83.9%that 1,027
cases had no FTA's, 10%of the closed cases that had FTA had pending felony
charges and 6% had pending misdemeanor charges. Every morning, Pretrial Services
(PTS) personnel complete a risk assessment on new arrestees, using the Colorado
Pretrial Assessment Tool (CPAT). This assessment is contained within the Pretrial
Services Bail Report. Year to date, PTS has completed 1,452 assessments (Bail
Reports) with a 66%completion rate. Of the Bail Reports completed, 49%of the
recommendations were for a personal recognizance bond. In reviewing supervision,
PTS is averaging 187 monthly intakes by defendant, an average population of 852
cases and closing 204 cases monthly. Again, the supervision category distribution is
comparable to the CPAT research. Of the closed cases, 61%were via financial
releases and 39%were non-financial releases.
C. Mental Health /Criminal Justice Committee and Intensive Services Campus
facility and programs updates- Kendall Alexander, NRBH, introduced the focus of
the increase of female offenders. He referenced the paper, "Women Offender in the
Weld County Criminal Justice System, An Emerging Population with Unique Needs,"
prepared by Rick Dill, Criminal Justice Analyst. From this paper and discussion,the
goal is to identify "What do we need, program?" With direction, then possibly a JAG
grant (Justice Assistance Grant) could be considered and pursued; four-year grant
with 10% annual step down.
D. Mental Health /Criminal Justice Committee Tracking Summary- Rick Dill
the MH/CJ Strategic Group Issues Tracking Su
mmary.. He noted that
reviewedg Y
mental health staffing is a resource that is tied to the availability of services. The
Affordable Care Act resolved the payment barrier; however, clients may have to wait
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to be seen by a prescribing doctor. The Crisis Stabilization Center at NRBH has
maintained its respite bed capacity, there was no research available to predict the
need, and this is a future area for expansion. Additionally, limited housing is a major
issue for offenders with inadequate resources.
4. Action Item: Consider Potential Local Strategies for Women Offenders:
A. Rick Dill focused on the issue of women in our local system, asking the key question,
"Where in the system can we do a lasting change?" He noted that the increase of
women offenders is a national problem, with an 18% increase and men decreased by
3%. This indicates a need and strategy for intervention. Mr. Dill was able to review
data from the State Courts Administrators Office where it was noted that there has not
been a significant increase in crime. The slight increase in Weld County reflects the
Town of Lochbuie starting to report their data. The women in the system are not
making their way through and the jail data denotes that FTA is the primary reason for
bookings. Key issues for woman are (1) substance use, women tend to addict harder
and faster and there is a national Opiates use trend; (2) trauma issues; and (3)
homelessness. He referenced Dr. Bloom's work on gender responsiveness as a
different approach. Strategic intervention would be two-fold, focusing on why
women are missing court appearances and meeting their needs, identifying a
collaborative community process for services and supports.
Judge Hartmann commented that the more FTA's the less likely a personal
recognizance bond will be granted and noted at weekend bond hearings there is noted
increase in female defendants. Judge Hartmann asked Jim Merson and Keith
Coleman in their defense counsel work, if they recognized any common factors that
contribute to women FTA's such as childcare. The 18th Judicial District has a day
care program that is sun setting. Mr. Merson said he asked around his office and the
only common factor was multiple court dates in different courtrooms. Mr. Coleman
stated that they are simply forgetful, that they have many things going-on. He has
found calling them the day before, as a courtesy reminder is useful. Doug Erler also
noted that distance, defendants living in Denver, and transportation are common
reasons identified by Pretrial Services. He stated that reminder calls are helpful and
Pretrial Services just started with auto-email reminders. Another possible factor is
the lack of representation, to assist with court date clarification and reminders. Roger
Ainsworth stated that courtesy reminder calls are a common business practice for
other type of appointments. Karen Salaz noted the Jefferson County and Larimer
County hired a professional service; however, it is expensive. Kendall Alexander
stated that NRBH does 1-week reminder calls and then the day before reminder calls
for appointments. Mr. Coleman also stated that he uses Google calendar as his
reminder and invites his clients into this system. Judge Hartmann stated that timing
seems crucial with the reminder calls, that the day before isn't enough time for people
in crisis, to give them more time to actively plan.
It was recommended to have a work group to investigate this issue further.
Additionally, to examine the cost of a FTA, from the attorney costs, to the cost of law
enforcement taking warrants into custody and the cost of incarceration. The working
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group could develop objective measures and cost effectiveness. It was suggested that
the subcommittee could shift its focus to this issue. From the finding, CJAC could
then make recommendations to the Commissioners, possibly addressing the JAG
grant and unique services to be provided.
Keith Coleman set forth a motion to task the working group to bring solutions to the
larger group, Karen Salaz seconded the motion and the motion carried. Judge
Hartmann stated that he would provide any information needed to the working group
consisting of, generally speaking, Rick Dill, Dionne Sund, Doug Erler, Kendall
Alexander, Kim Collins, Michael McCormick, Michelle Hunter, Esperanza Ortiz, and
Matt Elbe. Mr. Dill stated that Judge Hartmann could share the paper as needed.
5. Roundtable:
A. Judge Hartmann signed the administrative order for Use of Restraints in Juvenile
Delinquency Matters in the Courtroom effective July 10, 2015. Numerous states and
several judicial districts in Colorado have implemented rules or policies eliminating
the indiscriminate shackling of juveniles appearing before the court in juvenile
delinquency actions. Evidence based studies have shown the practice of shackling
juveniles in the courtroom, when the juvenile does not pose a safety or flight risk, is
psychologically harmful to the juvenile and may undermine rehabilitation. In an
attempt to balance the safety of the juvenile and public with the rehabilitation goal of
the juvenile court, and to obtain input from various stakeholders working in the
juvenile justice system, the undersigned established a working group consisting of
members of the court, Weld County Sheriff's Office, Public Defender's Office,
District Attorney's Office, Weld County Attorney's Office, Alternate Defense
Counsel, guardians ad litem, SB 94, and Platte Valley Youth Services Center. This
administrative order is the result of information and input provided by the working
group. Judge Hartmann is working with the WCSO for full implementation.
B. Jim Merson inquired if Division 6 and 8 were going to do video bond hearings.
There is a video capability in two out of the four county courtrooms. At this time,
there are on-going issues with the wiring and there is a work order with Toby Taylor
(Weld County's Buildings & Grounds). There is now a recorded Advisement
available in English and Spanish that is viewed by defendants prior to hearings. It
was noted that Somali language may be necessary a well.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 1:23 p.m. The next CJAC meeting will
be Tuesday October 13, 2015 at 12:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Reviewed by,
Dianna Campbell Doug Erler
Pretrial Services Supervisor, Weld County Director, Weld County Justice Services
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