City Council Considers This Resolution Tuesday, May 14, 7 p.m. at City Hall

Attendance Tuesday by concerned citizens can help make the following motion a reality.

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HARRISONBURG, VIRGINIA
REGARDING CRIMINAL JUSTCE SYSTEM REFORMS

WHEREAS, The City of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County participate in a shared and integrated criminal justice system, and the criminal justice system is comprised of independently elected and appointed local officials, such as the Sheriff and Commonwealth Attorney, who act with a high degree of autonomy and authority given by law and are accountable to voters and no other elected officials, and Judges appointed by the Virginia General Assembly; and

WHEREAS, both jurisdictions share in facilities and technology cost to support the criminal justice system. As a result, the system typically accounts for a substantial portion of the annual budget of both the City and County; and

WHEREAS, administering an effective criminal justice system is a fiscal and social responsibility that is rooted in the ability to obtain, analyze, and meaningful present data that describe how the criminal justice system operates. System level data are critical to identifying problems and making informed decisions.

WHEREAS, through professional data analysis, our community can make better-informed decisions that would potentially reduce the incarceration rates, reduce incarceration costs, and reduce recidivism while increasing public safety and health.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HARRISONBURG, VIRGINIA THAT COUNCIL:

1. Recommends the Rockingham County Sheriff examine the possibility of eliminating the $1-day jail fee at the Rockingham/Harrisonburg Regional Jail by exploring options adopted by neighboring jurisdictions,

2. Recommends that the leadership at the Middle River Regional Jail and Rockingham/Harrisonburg Regional Jail consider ways to address the disproportionate cost to women relocated to the Middle River Regional Jail during renovations at the Rockingham/Harrisonburg Regional Jail; and

3. Directs the City Manager to continue working with the Rockingham County Administrator to develop implementation strategies in support of this, including identifying funding sources to support these efforts such as potential inclusion of items in the 2019-2020 budget.

The public is always welcome to attend sessions and to contact members of the Council:

Mayor Deanna Reed
deannareed32@gmail.com
Vice-Mayor Richard Baugh
baugh@hooverpenrod.com
George.Hirschmann@harrisonburgva.gov

Christopher.Jones@harrisonburgva.gov
Sal.Romero@harrisonburgva.gov