New Sacramento County commission will advise public safety agencies. Here’s how to apply

Sacramento County wants community members to have more input in public safety decisions.

It’s creating a new citizen advisory committee for residents to help oversee criminal justice offices such as the probation department and public defender’s office.

The advisory committee does not include the district attorney’s or sheriff’s office, although those offices enforce criminal law and prosecute suspects.

Those interested in joining the committee should apply by Aug. 17. The printable application form and committee charter are available online at saccounty.gov. Applications may be submitted electronically, via email to PSJA@saccounty.gov.

The committee will advise the county’s recently formed Public Safety and Justice Agency. The Public Safety and Justice Agency oversees Sacramento County’s probation department, public defender offices, the coroner, and the conflict criminal defender on critical justice matters.

Deputy County Executive Eric Jones said the committee is being formed to provide an opportunity for community members to assist in creating solutions to persistent justice issues, such as sustaining a safe and effective jail or reducing recidivism.

“The Public Safety and Justice Agency was created to ensure changes are collaboratively established through coordination with social service and health agencies and community stakeholders, particularly those most impacted by the justice system,” Jones said

The county is seeking volunteers who can share their unique experience or expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Behavioral health services

• Medical and public health providers

• Civil rights organizations

• Education

• Youth mentors

• Formerly incarcerated individuals

• Crime survivors

• Recidivism reduction organizations

• Clergy

• Business owners

• Neighborhood associations

• Philanthropic organizations

The committee is expected to meet quarterly, at the least. Meetings are expected to be open to members and county staff because the committee is advisory and not an oversight body. They will facilitate the meetings to hear personal stories along with open dialogue.

Applications may also be submitted by mail or in person to Catherine York, Management Analyst II for the Criminal Justice Planning and Coordination department in the County of Sacramento. The address is 700 H Street, Suite 7650 Sacramento, CA 95814.

This story was originally published July 20, 2022 at 5:25 AM.