Crime Prevention: We Can Always Do More...

July 21, 2024 - Boone County District II Commissioner Janet Thompson is on the cutting edge of criminal justice. Thanks to Janet’s leadership, Boone County is participating in a consortium with the National Association of Counties (NACo) to improve outcomes in juvenile justice systems. Not only does this prevent future crime, it can alleviate the cost of incarcerating repeat offenders. Collaborating with four other counties from across the nation, this consortium will share ideas and common concerns, ensuring that juvenile justice systems are focused on rehabilitation so that juvenile offenders can break out of the prison pipeline.

Janet’s experience and relationships are what brought this program to Boone County, as well as her connections in intergovernmental partnerships such as NACo.  As a member of NACo’s Justice and Public Safety Policy Steering Committee, Janet is collaborating with other county leaders across the nation to pilot new programs that reduce crime and focus on rehabilitation. Data has shown that an effective method of deterring crime is rehabilitating those in the criminal justice system so they do not become repeat offenders, and thanks to Janet’s expertise and knowledge, Boone County is taking a step in that direction with regards to its juvenile justice system.