Police Department

Chief part of National Criminal Justice policy discussions

Monique Cotton, Police Communications Director, 509.363.8285

Tuesday, October 1, 2013 at 10 a.m.

Seattle, WA The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center brought together a group of state and local leaders from across the nation, including respected legislators, court and law enforcement officials, cabinet secretaries, and other gubernatorial appointees to discuss complex criminal justice policies at their annual Board of Directors meeting.

Spokane WA Police Chief Frank Straub participated in discussions among the bipartisan group of board members who gathered to determine the best ways to advance the latest thinking and evidence-based practices on issues such as corrections spending and public safety outcomes, reducing recidivism rates among people released from prison and jail, improving local law enforcement’s response to people with mental illnesses, and developing strategies to reduce schools’ dependence on suspension and expulsion to respond to student misconduct.

“The CSG Justice Center remains at the forefront of advancing data-driven, consensus-based approaches to increasing public safety and helping law enforcement address sometimes complex challenges in communities across the country,” said Chief Straub. “It was very helpful to discuss, in detail, innovative ideas that leading policymakers are advancing.”

Over the past year, the CSG Justice Center has worked with state and local leaders on a wide variety of projects, including: releasing an unprecedented study, The Impact of Probation and Parole Populations on Arrests in Four California Cities; working to pass justice reinvestment legislation in Kansas and West Virginia, as well as launch new justice reinvestment initiatives in Idaho and Michigan; undertaking a multi-year School Discipline Consensus Project; and unveiling the What Works in Reentry Clearinghouse.

In addition to reviewing the status of these respective projects, board members provided input to help shape the Justice Center’s future priorities. In planning for the upcoming year, the group examined options for helping state and local leaders undertake recommendations laid out in the recently published Adults with Behavioral Health Needs Under Correctional Supervision; assisting states such as Hawaii and Pennsylvania implement their respective justice reinvestment legislation; and contributing to the national dialogue about fostering a positive learning environment and improving school safety in the wake of the Newtown tragedy.

“I greatly appreciate the unique perspective provided by Chief Straub,” said Michael Thompson, Executive Director of the CSG Justice Center. “We are fortunate to have Chief Straub as a part of the dedicated group of talented experts represented on our board.”

The Council of State Governments Justice Center is a national nonprofit organization that serves policy makers at the local, state, and federal levels from all branches of government. It provides practical, nonpartisan advice and consensus-driven strategies—informed by available evidence—to increase public safety and strengthen communities. For more information about the Justice Center, visit their website.

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