Counties play a unique role in the criminal justice system, as they are only one part of the many entities involved when an individual violates the laws of our great state. From arrest to court proceedings tosanctioning and re-entry, you can see why coordination is a must. FAC became a member of the Coalition for Smart Justice for that very reason.
The Coalition is a group of political, business and social partners who advocate for increased public safety, fiscal responsibility and an effective criminal justice system. In November 2009, the Collin’s Center for Public Policy hosted a Justice Summit. Counties, Judges, Sheriffs, prosecutors and defense counsel heard what was working across the United States. The Coalition pledged to challenge Florida's leaders to improve our delivery of justice and produced a report of recommendations for Justice Reform in February 2010.
The Smart Justice Report can be found here. And the letter that started it all,signed by leaders from the Florida Association of Counties, TaxWatch, Associated Industries of Florida, the Police Benevolent Association, three former Attorney Generals and many, many more can be found here.
As the 2010 gubernatorial election approached, every candidate backed the recommendations from the TaxWatch Government Cost Savings Task Force on Criminal and Juvenile Justice Reform. During the 2011 session, several of the suggested reforms, including civil citation for juvenile offenders, passed both houses of the legislature and were signed into law by Governor Scott. The Coalition for Smart Justice continues to work on needed cost saving measures. Florida TaxWatch now houses the Centerfor Smart Justice and leads discussions and forums on reform.
Smart Justice Means:
- Stopping the Juvenile Pipeline into Adult Crime and Incarceration
- Holding Offenders Accountable
- Increasing Public Safety
- Reducing Unsustainable Costs of Prison Maintenance and Growth
- Strategic Investments in Appropriate, Evidence-based Interventions
- Reducing Costly Recidivism
- Ensuring Ex–offenders Return to our Communities as Productive and Employable Members of Society
- Saving Precious Taxpayer Resources While Reducing Crime
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