DETROIT, MI (WTVB) – In a “Special Message to the Legislature on Criminal Justice” issued on Monday, Governor Snyder asked state lawmakers to take up a new reform package centering on preparing prisoners for re-entry into society, addressing the root causes of criminal behavior, and improving the juvenile justice system. His statement also included changes to better protect crime victims and improving law enforcement.
The Michigan Association of Counties, MAC, was among the groups responding to the Governor’s proposals. Cletus Smith, chair of MAC’s Judiciary and Public Safety Committee said it’s important to remember local governments have the prime responsibility for handling local offenders, be they adults or juveniles, be they in jails or on supervised release.
According to Smith, any changes that shift detention and oversight to locals from the state have to come with appropriate resources to ensure success. Counties, he said, are stretched thin as it is.
