Rock County’s Criminal Justice Coordinating Council

As an active member of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC), I have a strong commitment to upholding CJCC’s vision, mission and purpose. Our vision as the CJCC is to focus on creating a transparent, trustworthy and equitable legal system the supports safe and thriving communities.

Mental Health

I believe mental health understanding and awareness is essential for community stability. When the justice system understands mental health, the focus shifts from reactive punishment to proactive stability. As your Clerk of Circuit Court, I am committed to improving outcomes for individuals with mental health needs. The prevalence of mental illness and substance use disorders has greatly impacted our nation and our communities, and has had a disproportionate impact on our courts and justice system. New strategies must be developed to align justice and behavioral health systems with community needs.

On January 21 & 22, 2026, myself and other community stakeholders from various disciplines and systems came together to identify strategies to divert people with mental health and substance use disorders away from the justice system and into treatment. This exercise was hosted by the National Center of State Courts and is identified as Sequential Intercept Model (SIM) Mapping. SIM is a strategic planning tool used to identify available resources and opportunities and plan for community change.

Following Rock County’s SIM Mapping Exercise, several recommendations and action plans were made which are all detailed in the Sequential Intercept Model Mapping Report. Rock County’s CJCC will lead the action plans developed from the SIM Mapping Exercise. 

Housing and Eviction

Following the Sequential Intercept Mapping (SIM) Exercise, I joined the Housing and Eviction Workgroup to tackle the local housing crisis through proactive prevention. As a workgroup, we are rigorously analyzing:

1. Expanding Educational Programming and Community Resource Integration to Prevent Homelessness

   By offering support both before and after eviction proceedings, we help tenants navigate their options and connect with essential services to avoid housing displacement.

2. Expanding Access through Rock County Court Navigators

   We aim to introduce Court Navigators to our Small Claims and Eviction courts to bridge the gap for those without legal representation. These navigators provide essential guidance and procedural clarity, helping residents move through the justice system with confidence and ensuring that the courts remain accessible to everyone.

3. Implementing Pre-Filing Mediation for Eviction Resolution

   Promoting pre-filing mediation creates a 'win-win' scenario for our community. Landlords gain a more efficient path to resolution and compensation, while tenants avoid the long-term stigma of an eviction filing. By resolving these disputes early, we can protect housing stability and ensure tenants aren't unfairly blocked from future rental opportunities.

While we have made great strides, our work is only getting started. I am committed to advancing the mission of this workgroup during my next term as your Clerk of Circuit Court.

Domestic Violence

As your Clerk of Circuit Court, I am an active leader in the CJCC’s Domestic Violence Workgroup. I believe the court system must be a shield for the vulnerable. Over the past year, I have worked alongside justice partners to deliver real, meaningful changes that prioritize the safety of survivors and the accountability of offenders.

Our Recent Achievements:

• Launching Critical Resources: We developed and launched StopDVRockCounty.com, a comprehensive digital resource center funded by JusticePoint. This site provides domestic violence survivors with immediate access to the help, information, and safety resources they need.

• Closing the "Safety Gap" in Court Rules: I am proud to have supported the adoption of Rock County Local Court Rule 316 which extends the 72-hour statutory no-contact period on misdemeanor domestic violence charges. The rule states that the “no contact” condition shall remain in effect until the Defendant’s initial appearance, at which time bond and its conditions shall be reviewed and may be modified by a judicial officer. When a person is released with such a “no contact” condition, the initial appearance shall be scheduled within two (2) weeks of the date of arrest. Previously, a dangerous safety gap existed where victims were left unprotected after the initial 72-hour window expired. By championing this new rule, we have closed that gap, ensuring continuous protection for survivors from the moment of arrest until the first court appearance.

• ·Advanced Technology for Real-Time Protection: We have successfully upgraded our electronic monitoring system to SuperCom. This state-of-the-art GPS technology includes enhanced victim notification features, providing peace of mind and faster response times to ensure court-ordered protections are strictly enforced.

My commitment to you is simple: I will continue to use my experience and my office to drive innovation that keeps Rock County families safe.

Equity and Public Outreach

As your Clerk of Circuit Court, I believe our justice system must be both effective and equitable. That is why I serve as an active leader in the CJCC’s Equity and Public Outreach Workgroup. Throughout 2025, I helped lead an in-depth analysis of a decade’s worth of court data to ensure that equity in charging decisions is a reality in Rock County. Our research into charging decisions for low-risk offenses revealed a positive trend: Rock County is leading the way in giving low-risk individuals a chance for self-improvement and rehabilitation.

• Expanded Opportunities: Since the implementation of Deferred Prosecution Programs, we have seen a significant increase in dismissals in exchange for education, treatment, and community service.

• Fairness in Focus: Our data confirms that the District Attorney’s Office is using its discretion fairly across age, race, and gender.

The Path Forward: Reducing Disparities

While we have made tremendous strides, the data shows there is still work to be done. Currently, African Americans are charged criminally 4.6% more than the average in certain low-risk categories, and men are charged 3.7% more than women.

In collaboration with the District Attorney, I am committed to closing these gaps. By implementing a 'pause and reflect' strategy, requiring an intentional check to ensure decisions remain consistent regardless of a defendant’s race, gender, or neighborhood, we are building a culture of accountability that safeguards against implicit bias in the prosecution process.

Listening to You

Our work doesn't stop with a report. We are preparing to launch a county-wide community outreach initiative, using surveys and focus groups to hear directly from you. My goal is to improve transparency and ensure that every citizen of Rock County trusts their court system. This upcoming initiative will give you a direct voice in the process as we work to strengthen transparency and public trust across Rock County.