FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY TASK FORCE
HOLDS ORGANIZING MEETING

Charlotte, NC – The special task force appointed by the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners to study state and local criminal justice agencies and programs will hold its first meeting on Wednesday, July 23. 

On May 20, the Board appointed a 14-member, non-partisan Rapid Review Task Force to identify and recommend to the Board by September immediate and substantive changes to the operations of city, county and state criminal justice agencies in Mecklenburg County to enhance their effectiveness.  

The Task Force is given the green light to recommend allocation of resources to make the most effective impact on crime and justice, taking into account new criminal justice budget provisions made by Mecklenburg County and Charlotte City Council, as well as legislative needs at the state level.  

The task force is chaired by former Judge Shirley Fulton and retired Carolinas Healthcare Systems CEO Harry Nurkin. "We will be doing a comprehensive study, reviewing data and hearing from representatives in all aspects of the justice and public safety system,” says Nurkin. “Just as important will be hearing from the public about their safety concerns.” 

The agenda for the first meeting is available at www.MecklenburgCountyNC.gov. Future meeting dates will be set during this organizing meeting. All meetings are open to the public, and comments and suggestions are welcome. 

Date:  Wednesday, July 23
Time:  8:30am – 11:30am
Place:  Room 267 – Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Center