DES MOINES, IOWA (November 4, 2019) — Today, Governor Kim Reynolds announced the members of the Governor’s FOCUS Committee on Criminal Justice Reform (Fueling Ongoing Collaboration and Uncovering Solutions). Their first meeting will be held on Thursday, November 7.
“This diverse group of stakeholders will help us take our criminal-justice reform efforts to the next level and build on our past success,” said Gov Reynolds. “Iowans believe in the power of redemption and second chances and it’s why we are focused on reducing recidivism and eliminating barriers to successful re-entry.”
“I look forward to working with the FOCUS Committee to find concrete solutions to improve our criminal justice system,” said Lieutenant Governor Adam Gregg. “I believe we will be able to develop recommendations to make real progress on the challenging and complex issues we face.”
Members of the Governor’s FOCUS Committee on Criminal Justice Reform:
Adam Gregg, Lt Gov (Chair)
Dr. Beth Skinner, Director, Department of Corrections
Helen Miller, Chair, Board of Parole
Steve Bayens, Commissioner, Department of Public Safety
Judy Bradshaw, Director, Iowa Law Enforcement Academy
Jeff Wright, State Public Defender
Bruce Vander Sanden, Director, Sixth Judicial District, Department of Correctional Services
Betty Andrews, President of the Iowa-Nebraska NAACP
Reverend Alfonso Perez, Member, Commission of Latino Affairs
John Koufos, National Director of Reentry Initiatives, Right on Crime
Janelle Melohn, Director, Crime Victims Assistance Division, Office of the Attorney General
Jennifer Miller, Marshall County Attorney
Darius Potts, Ankeny Police Chief
Tim Lane, Scott County Sheriff
Reynolds announced the groups formation at the 7th Annual Iowa Summit on Justice and Disparities, sponsored by the NAACP. The FOCUS committee will make recommendations to reduce recidivism through successful offender re-entry. This will form the foundation of a package of legislative proposals aimed at advancing our “2nd chance” initiative this year.
