KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. has issued the following statement after receiving a letter late this afternoon from Prosecuting Attorney Jean Peters Baker that she is quitting the Jail Task Force.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 27, 2017
Contact: Marshanna Hester
(816) 878-1930
mhester@jacksongov.org
Jackson County Executive responds to Prosecutor’s decision to quit Jail Task Force
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. has issued the following statement after receiving a letter late this afternoon from Prosecuting Attorney Jean Peters Baker that she is quitting the Jail Task Force.
“While I am disappointed that the County Prosecutor chose to quit the Jail Task Force, I want to make sure that everyone knows that I remain committed to involving the community in this process. I firmly believe that the people of Jackson County deserve, and we need, their input as we move forward.
The work of this task force goes well beyond the specifics of any one incident in our jail, or quite frankly, whether a new jail is ultimately needed. This task force has been asked to look at our criminal justice system and engage in an open and honest discussion about:
Who should be in the jail? Who is there now? Why are they there? Finally, are all defendants treated equally and fairly?
As I told the Prosecutor when she originally accepted my appointment, I was grateful and honored that she would be willing to serve. I am hopeful that she will change her mind and once again, agrees to participate in this very important community discussion.”
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