County of Macomb issued the following announcement on Dec. 2.
Michigan House of Representatives passed House Bill 5522, a $308 million dollar bipartisan package of criminal justice initiatives. This package of supplemental appropriations includes $25 million dollars for Macomb County to develop and construct a modern criminal justice intake, assessment and housing facility.
Rooted in the belief that there is a more humane and cost effective way to provide treatment options to individuals that come into contact with the criminal justice system, Macomb County has embarked on a comprehensive process to re-envision these environments. This modern approach to public safety will lead to the construction of a state-of-the art detention and care facility. This new model will better coordinate the efforts of public safety personnel, the courts, clinical providers and community partners, while leading to better outcomes for individuals who come into contact with the criminal justice system and lead to safer communities.
“I want to thank Speaker Wentworth, house leadership and each member of the Macomb County Legislative Caucus who supported this bill,” said Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel. “We are in the process of transformational criminal justice reform here in Macomb County, and these resources will help us create a national model focused on treatment rather than confinement.”
The county has already engaged consultants who have aided in the initial design of this space. Preliminary cost estimates put this capital and operational plan at $100 million dollars. Macomb County intends to leverage a substantial amount of American Rescue Plan funds to offset the cost of this transformational project. The county’s financial commitment coupled with a state appropriation of $25 million dollars will ensure that this cutting edge concept will be a model for others to follow.
Original source can be found here.
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