Whitmer appoints two officials to Michigan Jail Reform Advisory Council
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has signed an executive order creating the Michigan Jail Reform Advisory Council to help implement “long overdue reforms to our justice system.”
Last year, the Michigan Joint Task Force on Jail and Pretrial Incarceration, co-chaired by Lieutenant Gov. Garlin Gilchrist and Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack, released its final report and recommendations to improve the state’s criminal justice system, including how to reduce the increasing jail populations.
In December, the State Legislature passed many of the task force’s recommendations, which were signed into law by Whitmer on Jan. 4. This new council will serve as an advisory body within the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB) and will facilitate, assist with, monitor, and evaluate the implementation of jail reform legislation throughout the state.
“This council will do critical work to implement the recommendations of last year’s Task Force on Jail and Pretrial Incarceration that I was proud to cochair,” said Gilchrist. “Together, we can make substantive, lasting changes to our justice system that make us all safer and help us live up to our highest ideals.”
The governor appointed seven individuals to serve on the council including the following members of the Council:
• Barbara Hankey, of Holly. She is the manager of the Oakland County Community Corrections Division and was appointed to represent community corrections or pretrial services for a term commencing April 21, 2021 and expiring March 31, 2023.
• Vasilis K. Pozios, M.D., of Ann Arbor. He is the chief medical officer for the Oakland Community Health Network and medical director of NorthCare Network. Dr. Pozios is appointed to represent a community mental health employee for a term commencing April 21, 2021 and expiring March 31, 2023.
The council will also include participation from Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack who will serve as chair; Robyn Liddell from the Department of Attorney General; Heidi Washington, Department of Corrections Director; Michigan State Police Capt. Dale Hinz; Melissa Smiley from the Department of State; and Deb Cain from the Department of Health and Human Services.
Judge Prentis Edwards of the 3rd Circuit Court of Wayne County, Judge Carrie Lynn Fuca of the 41B District Court of Clinton Township, Sen. Jim Runestad, Sen. Sylvia Santana, Rep. Mike Mueller, and Rep. Tenisha Yancey will also serve on the council.
The appointees will serve until the council dissolves on March 31, 2023. These appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
“This council will do critical work to implement the recommendations of last year’s Task Force on Jail and Pretrial Incarceration that I was proud to co-chair. Together, we can make substantive, lasting changes to our justice system that make us all safer and help us live up to our highest ideals.”
— Lieutenant Gov. Garlin Gilchrist