Counties, local law enforcement, and communities are bracing for unknown impacts that could result from an influx of prison inmates.Depending on outcomes of state budget discussions and a case pending before the U.S. Supreme Court, counties could see upwards of 40,000 state prison inmates gradually released into their communities over the next several years.
NACo will be hosting a County Jail Diversion Forum in Allegheny County (Pittsburgh), PA, May 5th and 6th, 2010. The forum will present counties with a chance to learn about and improve upon local efforts to divert individuals with mental illness from the criminal justice system.
If you haven’t talked with your local presiding judge or court executive in a while, pick up the phone and get caught up. You may find there is a lot to talk about.