Mayor Krewson Announces Initial Framework for New Corrections Task Force

Mayor Lyda Krewson today announced that she is asking the new Corrections Task Force to begin to understand and review the following three urgent topics related to the City Justice Center (CJC):

1. To investigate the alleged concerns and complaints regarding food, water, temperature, and clothing.
2. The need to begin moving cases through the 22nd Judicial Circuit and any other measures possible to address the isolation and uncertainty resulting from the halting of court cases for nearly one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
3. To become apprised of the urgent building and equipment needs of the facility, which is approximately 20 years old.

Additionally, last evening, former Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike Wolff told Mayor Krewson that he will step back from serving on the City’s Corrections Task Force at this time. Judge Wolff stated that he believed the current complaints and issues at CJC can be addressed by management and the Task Force in the short term.

Judge Wolff further said that he is most interested in working to address the longer-term challenge of criminal justice policy. Wolff said that “…will take a sustained effort over some period of time” and that he is “…hopeful that the next Administration will also give this matter the priority attention and be willing and able to do the long, hard work of finding sustainable solutions to this complex set of problems.”

Judge Wolff recognized that there is not sufficient time under the remaining term to accomplish the serious and sustained work needed for lasting change, particularly with the current election cycle overshadowing the important policy work.

“I am grateful to Judge Wolff for his talent, intellect, experience, and for his continued commitment to improving the criminal justice system,” Mayor Krewson said.