A Community Conversation on Public Safety & Justice [November, 2004 - August , 2005]

This web site updates and chronicles the “Community Conversation” on public safety and justice in Washtenaw County. The County is pursuing solutions to the growing risks to safety presented by severe overcrowding at the Washtenaw County Jail and inadequate security at the 14A-1 District Court.  When a proposed millage that would have funded a long-term solution to these problems failed at the polls in February 2005, this ‘Community Conversation’ became crucial.

County Administration drafted a modified proposal that would, over time, change the County’s police services methodology to fund the improvements demanded by conditions at the jail and court. At the August 3rd, 2005 Ways & Means session of the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners, that proposed resolution was amended to, among other changes, extend the period of time during which the County would continue to pay for overtime charges.

The ‘Community Conversation’ includes:

• Community Forums and their minutes published here;
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) , updated frequently.
• Proposals and Proposal Modifications resulting from County Administration, Board of Commissioners’ Working Sessions, and meetings among the Sheriff and local municipal leaders.
• Police Services Contract 2006 - 2009
• Township Supervisors FAQ, a specific document based on questions from local officials that is updated as questions and need arise.
• FYI - Legal Commentary on Road Patrol, from Michigan Association of Counties (MAC) July, 2005 Newsletter: 
  http://www.micounties.org/pdf/Newsletters/22.pdf .