Forming the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC)
Sedgwick County is struggling to manage an ever-increasing demand for jail beds. Among the many reasons for an increase in jail population are new laws, more stringent sentencing guidelines, mandatory sentences, greater investment in law enforcement, effective prosecution and forensic science resources. Many of these changes were brought by an increase in serious crime, more public outrage at crimes like DUI and domestic violence, and the crimes and fear caused by emerging gangs.
The Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) was formed in 2004 to find efficiencies in the criminal justice system and develop and implement alternative programs designed to reduce recidivism, and provide adequate, well-run facilities.
Read the bylaws of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council
CJCC Members
There are 17 voting members of the CJCC who are members due to the position they hold. These members serve on the CJCC for as long as they occupy the position:
- Sheriff Jeff Easter, Sedgwick County (Chair)
- Chief Judge Jeffrey Goering, 18th Judicial District
- Administrative Judge Jennifer Jones, Municipal Court, City of Wichita
- Chief of Police Joe Sullivan, City of Wichita
- District Attorney Marc Bennett, 18th Judicial District
- Chief Public Defender Sarah McKinnon, Sedgwick County
- Chief Prosecutor Sharon Dickgrafe, City of Wichita
- Director Steve Stonehouse, Sedgwick County Department of Corrections
- County Manager Tom Stolz
- County Commissioner Sarah Lopez
- County Commissioner Jim Howell
- City Council Member Brandon Johnson
- Criminal Presiding Judge Tyler Roush, 18th Judicial District
- Executive Director Joan Tammany, COMCARE
- Assistant County Manager of Public Safety, Code Enforcement, & Emergency Management Russell Leeds
- Sedgwick County Association of Cities, Tom Jones
- President of Sedgwick County Chief's Association, Ken Winter