A. Race & Jury Trials- Steps to seeking a More Just Legal System: 

This session provides entry into the NAACP’s work on obtaining the right to vote and subsequently serve on juries.  It explains why jury service is important and what legislative reform could be a game changer, leading to a more equitable justice system.  David Walker, and Russell Lovell, Jr.  Co-Chairs, Iowa-Nebraska, Des Moines NAACP Legal Redress Committee

 David Walker, and Russell Lovell, Jr. Co-Chairs, Iowa-Nebraska, and Des Moines NAACP Legal Redress Committee

 

B. Power Panel: Implementing Citizens Review Boards in Iowa

Citizens Review Boards are gaining momentum across the county and Iowa as many residents call for public oversight on policing.  With differing models of these boards and the impact they have it is important that implementation is done well.  This workshop reviews a couple review boards in Iowa, their training processes, and their progress so far. 

 University Heights Police, Cedar Rapids Police and Review BoardMembers, Advocates

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C. How is Pre-charge Diversion changing the landscape of Iowa’s juvenile justice system? 

Since 2015, an increasing number of Iowa communities have created pre-charge diversion programs for youth under 18, as an alternative strategy to formally charging youth for low level behaviors. During this session participants will learn what pre-charge diversion is for youth, how it is changing the landscape of Iowa’s juvenile justice system, how communities can implement and expand this strategy, and the availability of funding for these programs. Department of Human Rights,
Division of Criminal and Juvenile Justice Planning (CJJP)

 

D. Race & Wrongful Convictions (Innocence Project): 

An overview of the causes of wrongful convictions with an emphasis on the role race plays in our criminal justice system and bias. Erica Nichols Cook, Director, Wrongful Conviction Division & Wrongful Convictions Clinic, Iowa State Public Defender & Drake Legal Clinic

 

E. Crisis Advocacy Response Team (C.A.R.E.): Mobile Crisis Response Team and Crisis Advocacy Response Effort Leads  Polk County, Broadlawns, and the City of Des Moines have joined together to support, create, and implement an innovative new crisis response program in Des Moines.  The Crisis Advocacy Response Effort (CARE) incorporates non-law enforcement response, specialized staff for responding to children in crisis, mental health issues, and complete diversion from field response.  This workshop will review crisis response models in the past, present, and what the future may look like.

Sergeant Lorna Garcia, Des Moines Police & Jennifer Sundquist, Broadlawns

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