Minutes 08/25/2026 - Laserfiche WebLink

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August 25, 2026 3. Evaluate and monitor community programs and pretrial and local community- based probation services and facilities to determine their impact on offenders; 4. Develop and amend the criminal justice plan in accordance with guidelines and standards set forth by the Department and oversee the development and amendment of the community-based corrections plan as required by §53.1-82.1 for approval by participating local governing bodies; 5. Review the submission of all criminal justice grants regardless of the source of funding; 6. Facilitate local involvement and flexibility in responding to the problem of crime in their communities; and 7. Do all things necessary or convenient to carry out the responsibilities expressly given in this article.  In the beginning of 2018, the City of Portsmouth applied for and was awarded Byrne/Justice Assistance Grant funds through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). The CCJB used these funds to contract with the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) to help the Portsmouth CCJB create a charter, develop a decision- making framework, and develop a comprehensive strategic plan with change targets. In September 2018, NCSC provided the Portsmouth CCJB with the final Comprehensive Planning Report. The Comprehensive Planning Report included a strategic plan with change targets and decision-making framework to guide future work. By the end of 2025, the CCJB had successfully completed each change target listed in the 2018 Comprehensive Planning Report.  Currently, the Director of Portsmouth Community Corrections & Pretrial Services serves as the sole staff member for the CCJB. The Director is responsible for coordinating all CCJB meetings and producing meeting minutes. On April 23, 2026, CCJB members voted to apply for funding to create a Criminal Justice Planner (CJP) position. This funding will provide the opportunity to have a full-time CJP dedicated to enhancing the capacity and effectiveness of the CCJB and expound upon the action plan developed in 2018. Discussion:  Grant funding will be used to create a CJP position for the CCJB. The function of the CJP will be to provide staff support, technical assistance, and enhance communication among local criminal justice agencies. The CJP will facilitate the development of a comprehensive strategic plan, and the development of a multidisciplinary framework to identify and develop data driven solutions for the Portsmouth criminal justice system. The CJP will also assist the Portsmouth CCJB and Courts to explore and develop specialty dockets. Financial Impact:  The required match from the City of Portsmouth is $28,575, which match is appropriated by the proposed ordinance. The Sheriff’s Office had savings of approximately $684,000 from the funds that were appropriated to its portion of the FY 2026 General Fund Budget. These funds reverted to Fund Balance at the end of the last Fiscal Year. It is proposed to use $28,575 of these reverted funds to satisfy this required local match. It is also proposed to use another $600,000 of said funds to provide School Resource Officers through a separate ordinance on this agenda. Recommended Action:  Adoption of ordinance. Strategic Pillar#4: Safe, Connected, and Thriving Community. Next Steps Following Council Action:  The Finance Department will make the necessary budgetary adjustments. In addition, the Program Director will provide grant management and oversight.