NCJ Number
193308
Journal
Topics in Community Corrections Dated: 2001 Pages: 13-17
Date Published
2001
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article describes a collaborative initiative in the community supervision of sex offenders in Harris County, Texas.
Abstract
The county established the Interagency Coordinating Council on Sex Offenders, composed of 35 to 40 representatives of agencies and organizations in the county that interface with sex offenders in some capacity. The group meets monthly to identify priorities, establish subcommittees, write grants, organize public-speaking engagements, cross-train, meet with elected officials, interact with the media, respond to victims' concerns, make recommendations for future legislation, and include more stakeholders in the process. A cooperative partnership among probation, parole, the sheriff's department, and the police department resulted in the implementation of a sex offender field tracking system. A number of lessons have been learned in facing challenges over the past 4 years. Advice includes the following: define the purpose; identify stakeholders; prepare and organize information; schedule and facilitate meetings; identify priorities; publicize; seek multiple sources of funding and resources; take advantage of training and technical assistance opportunities; become involved in the legislative process; and maintain the momentum. This article also identifies some "pitfalls," notably, rigidity of approach, lack of diversity of representation on subcommittees, not addressing covert intentions openly, and failing to maintain contact with stakeholders who initially decide not to participate in the collaboration. 5 references