Charlotte McPherson
Central Regional Director
Milwaukee County Considering Universal Screening Program
In 2006, the National Institute of Corrections (NIC) conducted an assessment of the causes of jail crowding in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin. The resulting report made several recommendations including that the county create a criminal justice coordinating council, conduct a jail population analysis, and develop policies, procedures and funding in support of neutral pretrial screening for all arrestees eligible for release under Wisconsin law.Since the mid-1980’s Milwaukee County has twice been named in lawsuits relating to jail crowding and conditions of confinement, the latest being in 1996. In addition, the recent closing of the county’s work release facility has created additional strain on facility capacity and a new urgency to better manage correctional beds.
As a result of the NIC report, the Milwaukee County Community Justice Council (CCJC) was formed in late 2007 and began looking at the recommendations made in the report as well as other systemic issues facing Milwaukee County’s criminal justice system. In early 2008, the CCJC requested a proposal for implementation of a universal jail screening program. The proposal was considered in the County’s 2009 budget process but ultimately was not funded due to significant budget constraints. Subsequently, the CCJC appointed a subcommittee to review and revise the proposal. As a result, Chief Judge Jeffrey A. Kremers is making a formal request to the County for funding of the project as part of the 2010 budget process. His request also includes continued funding for all of Milwaukee County’s pretrial services programs.
Pretrial Justice Institute to Conduct Jail Population Analysis
As part of a broader correctional master planning process, Milwaukee County has also contracted with the Pretrial Justice Institute for the purpose of conducting a jail population analysis. The project is being funded by the Milwaukee County Circuit Courts and the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Department and is part of the County’s ongoing efforts to better manage its correctional population. It is anticipated that the analysis will be complete by late summer.I would like to personally thank Holly for this article. I look forward to future submissions from other programs in the Central Region. It is through sharing of information that we learn to grow and to become better agencies.
I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate this year’s James B. Droege Scholarship winner, Christine Hecker. Christine is Principal Probation Officer with Lake County Adult Probation and Pretrial Services in Waukegan, Illinois. She is also a member of the Illinois Probation and Court Services Association. Christine reports, “My hope is that given the opportunity to attend future conferences, I will expand my knowledge, training and further networking opportunities. NAPSA is providing the ideal venue to accomplish all of those goals. I plan to take progressive action and enhance Lake County’s Pretrial Program to its fullest potential.”
Christine will be in attendance at this year’s NAPSA conference in Charlotte, NC. I hope that many of you are able to attend as well. I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible! It is always a great experience and opportunity to learn! I hope to see you there!