In January 2020, the Michigan Joint Task Force on Jail and Pretrial Incarceration issued a list of 18 legislative action items that — if enacted — could revolutionize Michigan’s county jails and the lives of the people who come into contact with them.
The task force drafted their recommendations after holding six meetings across Michigan. Testimony was gathered from experts with knowledge about Michigan jails and the people and families who have experienced them firsthand. Many came forward with suggestions about how to make the jails and issues surrounding arrest, sentencing and probation better for both those charged with crimes and the rest of their communities.
So — what does the task force recommend?