In an effort to raise community awareness of the increasing problems surrounding the Pierce County Jail, the New Tacoma Neighborhood Council, Central Neighborhood Council and the Hilltop Action Coalition are hosting a community forum March 20 at 6 p.m. at The Evergreen State College Tacoma Great Room, located at 1210 Sixth Avenue in Tacoma.
Pierce County Prosecutor Gerry Horne, Sheriff Paul Pastor, Superior Court Presiding Judge Tom Larkin, Municipal Court Presiding Judge David Ladenburg and Tacoma Police Chief Ramsdell will provide their perspectives on the Jail and take community input on short and long term solutions.
Tareena Joubert will facilitate the panel and questions.
“This is an extremely important issue, especially in light of recent news of low levels of Jail staffing, the backlog of court cases and the rapid release of inmates,” Jeanie Peterson, Director of Community Initiatives for the Hilltop Action Coalition said. “Community input and awareness is absolutely important so we can find real solutions.”
Other sponsors include City Club of Tacoma, all of Tacoma’s neighborhood councils and business districts, and the BIA.