Goal:
Provide Public Safety
STRATEGIC STATEMENT: STRATEGIC STATEMENT: Enhance the safety of residents through an integrated criminal
justice system, including law enforcement and other programs that reduce crime, recidivism, family violence and
substance abuse.
Strategy: Provide justice facilities to adequately meet the
long-term capacity demands on the justice system.
Action A: Evaluate justice facility and system needs and develop
more detailed plans to complete projects such as the renovation of
the existing courthouse and the court annex as well as
infrastructure updates in the jail.
Action B: Develop sustainable funding strategies to implement
facility maintenance, renovation and infrastructure systems
updating.
Lake County’s growing population has placed a demand on the
court system, and the County currently has a shortage of
courtrooms and facility constraints to meet this demand. After
studying this issue for several years, the County Board approved an
extensive courts expansion project that includes operational
enhancements and a new 9-story courts tower. These changes will
meet the system’s growing demands and postpone the need for
additional jail beds through the year 2030 and beyond, as well as
provide for more efficient delivery of justice.
Strategy: Constantly evaluate and implement enhanced
technologies to provide effective service throughout the
justice system.
Action A: Continue working collaboratively within the public safety
partnership to address interoperability.
Action B: Develop and implement Phase II of the Integrated Justice
Plan to include external stakeholders (i.e. municipal, state).
Action C: Explore grant funding sources to fund implementation of
Integrated Justice Phase II and submit applications where
appropriate.
Action D: Continue implementation of Intensive Case Management
and report outcomes.
Strategy: Maintain and further develop adult and youth
criminal justice programs that treat social, mental health
and behavioral issues that lead to criminal behavior.
Action A: Coordinate services for incarcerated individuals and
ex-offenders that expand access to effective programs focusing on
prevention, employment opportunities and reducing recidivism.
Partner with other service providers to expand and enhance such
services (i.e.: Repatriate Program, Thinking for a Change).
Action B: Expand after-care and re-entry programs and procedures
that incorporate treatment and monitoring of defendants.
Action C: Research and develop programs that address mental
health issues, including alternatives to incarceration and prevention
of recidivism.
Action D: Research and develop programs to address subst ance
abuse, including alternatives to incarceration and prevention of
recidivism.
Action E: Maintain and develop enhanced law enforcement
programs targeted to reduce violence and prevent gang
development and activity.
Action F: Collaborate with workforce development on training
programs and job placement activities that will help address
recidivism and homelessness.
Strategy: Develop programs, education, and outreach
focused on prevention of gangs, mental health
stabilization programs, use of illegal drugs, and other
criminal activity.
Action A: Through the Executive Justice Council, research grant
opportunities and develop programs to address illicit drug use in
Lake County.
Action B: Evaluate and develop improved methods to provide
sustainable mental health services through collaboration with
service providers in the community.
Action C: Promote and lead information sharing initiatives amongst
law enforcement to address gang related crime.
Action D: Research grants and develop local funding partnerships
for enhanced treatment in specialty courts.