The purpose of the Incarceration Prevention and Reduction Task Force is to continually review Whatcom County’s criminal justice and behavioral health programs and make specific recommendations to safely and effectively reduce incarceration of individuals struggling with mental illness and chemical dependency, and minimize jail utilization by pretrial defendants who can safely be released. The Task Force also serves as the Law and Justice Council as required by RCW 72.09.300.
Meetings are open to the public. Community members who attend may provide public comment on issues related to incarceration prevention and reduction efforts in Whatcom County.
Meetings are held in a hybrid format. Members of the public may attend via Zoom webinar using the join link on the IPR Task Force or committee webpage and on the agenda, or in person at the County Council office located at 311 Grand Avenue, Suite 105. All committee members will participate remotely via Zoom.
The Incarceration Prevention and Reduction Task Force has 29/30 members.
The 8 members appointed by the County Council include:
In addition, 22 permanent members include:
311 Grand Ave., Suite 105
Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: 360-778-5010