Reforming Justice: A Major Step

This Tuesday, I voted to supply adequate revenue “generated by the Correctional Tax necessary to pay for correctional facilities and rehabilitation facilities in the County”.  

Article 1, Section 18 of the Indiana Constitution provides a compelling foundation for this fiscal policy. It emphasizes that our penal code should be "founded on the principles of reformation, and not of vindictive justice." This constitutional mandate calls for an approach to criminal justice, focusing on rehabilitation and reintegration rather than punitive measures. As we consider the future of our justice system in Monroe County, we must align our practices with this fundamental principle, ensuring that our local policies and facilities reflect a commitment to reformation and positive change.

The need for immediate action in our justice system is not just a matter of principle—but a practical necessity. We face legal action from the ACLU should we fail to address the pressing issues in our current system. Moreover, the prospect of outside contractors potentially constructing a facility that doesn't align with our community's values and needs is a serious concern. By taking necessary fiscal steps now, we can avoid these potential pitfalls and ensure that future developments in our justice system truly serve the best interests of our community and those within the system.

As we move forward, we must focus on the fundamental issues identified by the Monroe County Justice Fiscal Advisory Committee. We based our collaborative work on the intercept model of justice, also known as the Sequential Intercept Model (SIM). It is an approach used in criminal justice and mental health systems to identify points where interventions can be made to prevent individuals with mental illness from entering or penetrating deeper into the criminal justice system. These include

• expanding community services to avoid involvement with the justice system,

• enhancing re-entry programs to support individuals transitioning back into society,

• strengthening community corrections initiatives,

• prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in all aspects of our justice system, and

• improving access to treatment for those struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues.

By continuing to concentrate on these critical areas, we can create a more just, effective, and compassionate system that honestly embodies the principles of reformation outlined in the Indiana  Constitution. I sincerely believe that it is only together that we can build a justice system that meets our legal obligations and reflects Monroe County's values and aspirations.

Here you may find recordings for the October 07 Listening Session and October 08 Adoption.