A need for change
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
Editor,
I just completed reading the 90-page “Jail and Justice System Assessment ( JJSA)” report provided by the National Institute of Correction and posted on Lake County’s Sheriff ’s Office Facebook page. This report provided by Technical Resource Providers (Martin & Goldman) describes Lake County justice system, not just the jail, being in “…crisis management for 20 years” (pg. 50). This report also highlights how during the past three years, under the current administration, a failure in leadership has exacerbated the problem. The following highlights these points:
Waiting until an election year to invite auditors to restate what is already known about the jail conditions in Lake County, shows a lack of vision needed of a leader.
Failing to include the commissioners in the decision making process, to invite the NIC auditors (third audit in seven years), shows a lack of communication needed of a leader.
Deferring the resource providers (Martin & Goldman) to your undersheriff to conduct the Jail & Justice System Assessment, shows a lack of accountability needed of a leader (pg. 2).
Staff turnover rates show a lack of confidence needed in a leader (pgs. 43, 59).
LCSO Facebook page and link to this report, refers the public to “page 66” (Section 8. Recommendations). Failure to specifically state what and when the sheriff will conduct these recommendations shows a lack of planning needed of a leader.
Crisis management requires leadership that takes ownership of a problem and is capable of working with all Criminal Justice System providers serving the residents of Lake County.
David Coffman
Polson
