County Tackles Jail Reform and Oversight
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SAN JOSE – On Wednesday, the Santa Clara County Finance and Government Operations Committee (FGOC) will hold a special meeting to discuss recommendations relating to oversight of County correctional facilities, focusing on an expert panel discussion of civilian oversight and inspector general models.
“This was one of the key recommendations that came to us following the tragic death of Michael Tyree last year,” said County Supervisor Joe Simitian, who chairs the committee. “I think the question we have to ask ourselves here is, ‘are we willing to have meaningful civilian oversight, and if so, what should that oversight look like?’”
Earlier this year, the Blue Ribbon Commission on Improving Custody Operations provided a list of recommendations to the Board of Supervisors, including implementation of civilian oversight. If put in place, an inspector general or other oversight model would monitor the County’s correctional facilities and provide oversight on procedures and practices.
Wednesday’s meeting will include a panel discussion with experts from other jurisdictions that have implemented law enforcement oversight, auditor, or inspector general models, including Los Angeles County, Sonoma County, and the City of San Jose.
What: A special meeting of the County Finance and Government Operations Committee to discuss recommendations to improve custody policy, procedures, and performance; with a panel discussion relating to oversight and inspector general models.
Who: Supervisor Joe Simitian, Chair
Supervisor Cindy Chavez, Vice Chair
Max Huntsman, Inspector General, County of Los Angeles
Walter Katz, Independent Police Auditor, City of San Jose
Jerry Threet, Director, Independent Office of Law Enforcement Review and Outreach, County of Sonoma
The Honorable LaDoris Cordell, former Independent Police Auditor, City of San Jose
When: Wednesday, September 7th, 2016, 2:00pm
Where: Board Chambers, Santa Clara County Government Center
70 West Hedding Street, San Jose, CA 95110
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