[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 […]
[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. […]
[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 […]
[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 […]
[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 […]
[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, […]
[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 […]
“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 […]
[Source: “New Tailgating Rules Will Mean More Citations, Fewer Trips to Jail to Prevent Overcrowding,” KCRG TV9, 23 August 2010] IOWA CITY – The University of Iowa’s recent announcement to take a tougher approach in enforcing the law during tailgating and home football games has drawn concerns of potential safety issues and overcrowding in the […]
