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Preserving the Historic Johnson County Courthouse
[Source: “Justice center design still in conceptual stage,” Press Citizen, 6 April 2013, Letter to the Editor by Dwight Dobberstein. This is the full content of originally submitted article.] On May 7th voters will decide the fate of the proposed Johnson County Justice Center. Voters deserve assurance that a “yes” vote will result in a building […]
County can’t afford to wait any longer
[Source: “County can’t afford to wait any longer,” Press Citizen, 6 April 2013, Letter to the Editor by John Lundell] The proposed Johnson County courthouse enhancements and expansion of the jail need to be approved now. The thoughtful improvements will resolve long overdue security and legal system shortfalls in the courthouse and eliminate the costly […]
Addressing Myths about the Justice Center – Responding to the Daily Iowan Article, “Johnson County justice-center plans draw community scrutiny”
Source: “Johnson County justice-center plans draw community scrutiny,” Daily Iowan, 4 April 2013] Note: Fact boxes have been inserted to correct inaccuracies or misconceptions in the story below. * * * Johnson County justice-center plans draw community scrutiny BY QUENTIN MISIAG | APRIL 04, 2013 5:00 AM It was originally billed as a casual Wednesday […]
Johnson County Justice Center Would Make More Room for Jail Diversion
[Source: “Johnson County Justice Center Would Make More Room for Jail Diversion,” GGAN-TV CBS 2 Iowa, 3 April 2013] IOWA CITY, IA (CBS2/FOX28) — Johnson County Attorney Janet Lyness read the list of charges for inmates in the Johnson County Jail on a given day, trying to make a point. “Next one, robbery, first (degree). […]
Talk centers on how center would affect diversion programs
[Source: “Talk centers on how center would affect diversion programs,” Press Citizen, 3 April 2013] Johnson County’s case expediting program — which identifies jail inmates who can be safely released before their next court date — lowered the jail population by an average of 6.1 inmates per day in fiscal year 2012. “We have staff […]
Report Reveals Benton County Security Concerns
[Source: “Report Reveals Benton County Security Concerns,” By Jill Kasparie, Reporter, KCRG, 3 April 2013] VINTON, Iowa – A new report noted concerns with the Benton County Courthouse security system. This comes as anxieties grow across the country. Wednesday in West Virginia, someone gunned down a sheriff in a courthouse parking lot. Last month, two prosecutors […]
Johnson County Iowa – Incarceration and Racial Disparity – Causes and Solutions
[Source: “Johnson County Iowa – Incarceration and Racial Disparity – Causes and Solutions,” ResourcesForLife.com, 1 April 2013, by Greg Johnson] The justice system in Johnson County seems to be disproportionately arresting and incarcerating people simply on the basis of race. (Source: “Time to correct underlying causes of jail overcrowding,” Press Citizen, 31 March 2013) Once […]
Before you cast a vote, tour the county jail, courthouse
[Source: “Before you cast a vote, tour the county jail, courthouse,” Press Citizen, 31 March 2013, by Shams Ghoneim] The county’s 32-year-old jail was designed with a capacity of 46 inmates — a number that reached 92 when jail officials decided to double bunk. The inmate daily average, however, has exceeded 170 and is reaching 200. […]
Human Rights Does Humane Thing
[Source: “Human Rights Does Humane Thing,” John Deeth Blog, 20 March 2013] Jail opponent Jeff Cox’s attempt to get the Iowa City Human Rights Commission to oppose the May 7 justice center referendum backfired when the commission voted not to take a stance. Indeed, at least one member seemed inclined toward the yes position: Commission […]
‘My proposal is that we not take a stance,’ board member says
[Source: “‘My proposal is that we not take a stance,’ board member says,” Press Citizen, 19 March 2013] Iowa City’s Human Rights Commission will not take a stance against the proposed justice center. One of the center’s opponents, University of Iowa history professor Jeff Cox, asked the commission at its Feb. 19 meeting to oppose […]
County may study minorities in justice system
[Source: “County may study minorities in justice system,” Press Citizen, 6 March 2013] Johnson County will explore hiring a firm to take a “systemic” look at disproportionate minority contact across the criminal justice system in the county. Board of Supervisors member Rod Sullivan said during a meeting of the county’s Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee that […]
Public to vote again on justice center
[Source: “Public to vote again on justice center,” Press Citizen, 14 Feb 2013] The public will be voting a second time on the proposed justice center. The Johnson County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to put the $43.5 million justice center bond referendum before the public during a special election May 7. The proposal is […]
Vote coming May 7 on Johnson County Justice Center proposal
[Source: Gazette] The Johnson County Board of Supervisors is ready to set a May 7 election date for another vote on a proposed criminal justice center. The supervisors said Thursday that they would vote next week to officially set the election date and the ballot language. County officials last month indicated they favored the May 7 date, […]
Johnson County to Bring Justice Center Back to Ballot
[Source: “Johnson County to Bring Justice Center Back to Ballot,” KGAN-TV CBS 2 Iowa, 3 January 2013] IOWA CITY, IA (CBS2/FOX28) — Johnson County is planning to bring the vote for a new justice center back to the ballot, but this time, with a smaller price tag. The Johnson County Board of Supervisors is tentatively […]
Iowa City Police Department Focuses on Community Policing and Crime Prevention (Video)
IOWA CITY, IA (CBS2/FOX28) — The Iowa City Police Department is growing. “We’ve got two positions that were approved above our normal compliment of 80,” says Chief Sam Hargadine. Two new officers will soon patrol Iowa City streets, but the two officers aren’t just anyone. “They have to be combat military veterans,” Hargadine said. With […]
Vote Today! Yes for Justice Center
“Today is the big day! In order to ensure the citizens of Johnson County have a safe and secure Justice Center we need to have 60% support for this ballot issue, a sizable amount. We need your help! If you haven’t voted remember to flip the ballot and vote YES. If you have voted, please […]
Prison Projects Symposium
April 8, 2013 | jcjusticecenter | 0 Comments
Build the justice center
[Source: “Build the justice center,” The Daily Iowan, 8 April 2013, Letter to the Editor by Judy Atkins] For 13 years, I have been with Mediation Services of Eastern Iowa. We are a nonprofit organization made up of volunteers and professionals who mediate small-claims cases in Johnson and adjacent counties. Our job is to facilitate […]
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