1. A Look at Statistics and Trends Based on public information available
Polk County
A Look at Statistics and Trends
Based on public information available

2. Polk Co. Jail Observations
Maximum jail capacity
Jail population increasing
950e average up to 1050e
General Reasons
More violent crime
Insufficient available mental health and substance abuse services
Requested $1 million to open another 3 pods to go to – is under consideration for phasing

3. Polk County JaIL OBSERVATIONS – WHY #’s Up?
Delays in entering SA treatment
Before - entry was same week as approval
Inmates waiting 90 to 120 days after sentencing before entering treatment
Delayed IME and MCO decisions
Bridges Treatment program closed portion of beds
Delayed MCO payments $3.5M, personal check $500,000

4. Polk County JaIL OBSERVATIONS – WHY #’s Up?
ICE detentions
Longer lengths of stay for federal prisoners (new leadership in DOJ)
Significant # of people in jail on probation violations and new charges
Pre-trial releases are less in number if judge sets a bail amount the inmate cannot afford

5. Polk County Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee
Established Purpose of CJCC Committee:
The mission of the Polk County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) is to identify possible improvements in the criminal justice system; develop system-wide solutions; propose actions, execute strategies; and generally improve the criminal justice system.
In carrying out our mission, we are committed to:
Public Safety
Communication
Cooperation

6. Polk County Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee
To receive notifications of bi- monthly meetings and receive minutes, contact:
Sarah Boese
Office: v
Polk Co. Supervisors website
Agenda can include reports from:
Polk Co. Jail
Bridges Substance Abuse program
Fifth Judicial District
Broadlawns
Polk County Health Services
Others as approved by Polk Co. Supervisors
Topics vary

7. Polk County Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee
Gary Sherzan, Coordinator
$50,000 grant for (CIT) training
New Pre-trial risk assessment
Risk of not showing up for court
Risk of committing a crime
Risk of violence
Where this intersects will determine the level of supervision
Members of CJCC:
Polk County Board of Supervisors Chair +1 more member of Bd. of Supervisors
Polk County Attorney, Public Defender
Chief Judge of the Fifth Judicial District
Director, Iowa Department of Corrections
Polk County Sheriff
Suburban Police Chief Representative
Des Moines Police Officer
Chief Juvenile Court Officer
Mental Health Services Director

8. Participation in Law Enforcement Initiatives
Plus Crisis Services, COC – CRB - PCS
Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) team
Jail Diversion – Community Support
Stepping Up Initiative
Therapeutic Alternatives to Incarceration
Data Driven Initiative
Community Connections Supporting Re- entry
Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)Training
Safety Net Rx prescription program
for exiting inmates