Jasper County

Justice Reinvestment Advisory Council

JRAC Vision

Creating a collaborative system of criminal justice professionals working together using evidence-based practices and data analysis to reduce recidivism and improve criminal justice outcomes in Jasper County.

JRAC Mission

By working together and utilizing data, stakeholders can create a more effective and just criminal justice system that serves the needs of our community.

Core Values

As a Justice Reinvestment Advisory Council member, our core values are not just principles to uphold; they are the essence of our identity. We will demonstrate our commitment to treating people with respect, integrity, honesty, and humanity, recognizing individuality, transparency, unbiased decisions, collaboration, embracing change, fostering innovation, proactive engagement of stakeholders, and continuous improvement through community feedback.

Respect: We treat everyone with dignity and kindness.
Integrity and Honesty: We uphold the highest ethical standards.
Humanity and Individuality: We celebrate diversity, recognizing each person's unique contributions.
Transparency and Unbiased
Decisions: We communicate openly and make fair choices.
Collaboration: We value teamwork and partnerships for collective success.
Innovation and Change: We embrace change and foster a culture of innovation.
Proactive Engagement: We actively involve stakeholders to meet their needs.
Continuous Improvement: We seek community feedback for ongoing enhancement.

These values aren't just words; they're the essence of who we are, driving us to make a positive impact within our team and the broader community.

In accordance with IC 33-38-9.5-5, the purpose of the Jasper County Justice Reinvestment Advisory Council is to promote:

The use of evidence-based practices; and
The best practices of community-based alternatives and recidivism reduction programs, including:
1. probation services;problem-solving courts;
2. mental health and addiction treatment and recovery services;
3. pretrial services;
4. community corrections;
5. evidence-based recidivism reduction programs for currently incarcerated persons;
6. other rehabilitation alternatives, and
7. incorporation of evidence-based decision-making into decisions concerning jail overcrowding.

Meeting Frequency and Duration

Fourth Friday of each month from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. CT, or at another designated time and place determined by the JRAC team at a regular meeting. Meetings will generally be held at the Jasper County Sheriff Department, 2171 North McKinley Avenue., Rensselaer, IN 47978.

In February of each year, the team will hold a reorganization meeting to agree on the composition of the Local JRAC team.

Upcoming Justice Reinvestment Advisory Council Meetings

No events found

Meeting Documents

Decision-maker attendance is expected.
Be on time and prepared for meetings.
All opinions are valued. Critique the opinion, not the person.
Be candid but respectful.
Team decisions will be made by consensus while preserving the autonomy of individual officeholders and department heads.
Membership may evolve, and sub-committees may include non-members.
New members will only be added by consensus.
Members will consider data and unintended consequences when making decisions.

Roles & Responsibilities

The following specific roles have been established to support the work of the JRAC and shall be reviewed/voted on annually:

Chair: Honorable Russell Bailey The chairperson, or team champion, presides over meetings to ensure they are planned and convened effectively, handled in an orderly and efficient manner, and progress is made toward attaining the team's or workgroup's overall goals. Responsibilities of the chairperson include the following:

Convene meetings according to the agreed-upon schedule.
Plan meeting goals and agendas.
Initiate and pace meetings, ensuring they begin and end on time, stay on track, focus on the stated goals, and are productive.
Ensure meeting records are accurate and updated as necessary.
Model the standards or expectations for members' interactions and behaviors.
Communicate regularly with internal and external stakeholders about the team's or group's status and progress.
Provide a consistent positive energy to the effort and inspire others by communicating a persuasive vision and path.
Advocate for team goals with peers, other policymakers and partners, and the media.
Work with the Vice Chair to assess progress and, as needed, address concerns or challenges that may hamper the team's success.
Often serve as the public face of the team.
Motivate team members to stay involved.
Ensure public meeting notices are posted.
Respond to public records requests specific to JRAC meetings and activities.

Vice Chair: Honorable Emily Waddle

Create a team work plan.
Ensure that team members' concerns and questions are addressed.
Work with staff from member agencies and offices to get data and information.
Ensure that tasks are assigned and completed.
Ensure that the team (including committees or other subgroups) has the information, resources, and other assistance needed to complete their work.
Model the standards or expectations for members' interactions and behaviors.
Advocate for team goals with peers, other policymakers and partners, and the media.
Assist the Chair as requested.
In the absence of the Chair, facilitate JRAC meetings.

Secretary: Theresa Lakin

Schedule meetings and send out meeting notices.
Send out meeting agendas.
Ensure copies are made of handouts for each meeting.
Maintain a meeting record for each JRAC meeting. Circulate minutes for feedback, update, and maintain a final record on behalf of the JRAC team.
Serve as the primary contact for the project with members, the chair, and others.
Determine quorum for team decisions during monthly meetings.

Appendix 1: List of JRAC Team Members and Contact Information 2025