Law & Justice Council


As of January 2019, the Incarceration Prevention and Reduction Task Force serves as the Law and Justice Council for Whatcom County.

Purpose

The purpose of the Incarceration Prevention and Reduction Task Force is to function as the Whatcom County Law and Justice Council as required by the Revised Code of Washington and to carry out the function described in RCW 72.09.300(d).

Authority

Law & Justice Council Historical Information

Management Information Systems Committee 
The Management Information Systems (MIS) Committee was a standing committee of the Law and Justice Council. Its mission was:
    • "...to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the adult and juvenile justice system in Whatcom County through the use of information resource management in support of the enhancement of public safety and the swift and fair administration of justice."

Data Integration Project

The primary project of the Committee was to develop the Whatcom County Data Integration project (see published report (PDF)). The ultimate goal of the plan was the creation of a multi-jurisdictional, adult and juvenile justice system that had its offender-based processes seamlessly linked together and supported by a smooth flow of information.

Law and Justice Plan

 During 1999 and 2000, faced with a chronic jail overcrowding problem, Whatcom County government carried out an extensive analysis and planning process to identify the causes of jail overcrowding, identify gaps or redundancies in the system, and recommend a "system-based, strategic plan that enhances the delivery system of justice services, including greater efficiencies and effectiveness." The resulting Law and Justice Plan was developed by the Law and Justice Council and adopted by the County Council in June 2000.

Whatcom County Law and Justice Plan (PDF)
2008 Plan Update
August 2008

The 2008 plan is an update to the Phase 1 (1999) and Phase 2  (2000) Law & Justice Plan.