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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Criminal justice panel, others have openings

The Spokane Regional Law and Justice Council is looking for two community members interested in aiding efforts to reform the county’s criminal justice system.

The group, responsible for evaluating and suggesting changes to the criminal justice system at all levels, is accepting applications through July 10. Applicants should have experience with the system in Spokane County, whether that be in the jails, the courts or with law enforcement, must have no pending criminal cases against them and must be a county resident. Those selected will work alongside county commissioners, judges, attorneys and law enforcement.

The group meets on the second Wednesday of every month from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Spokane Regional Health District Building near the courthouse. Applicants must apply online at spokanecounty.org/scljc.

The county also is looking for volunteers to serve with groups that set the county’s shooting laws, zoning codes and dispatch services for county law enforcement. These positions are open until filled.

One spot is open on the county’s No Shooting Advisory Committee, which advises county commissioners on firearm and bow use within county limits. The group meets on the first Wednesday of every month from 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. at the county Public Works Building near the courthouse. Applicants must live in the southeast portion of the county served by Commissioner Shelly O’Quinn.

Two spots are open on the county’s Planning Commission, a group that works with residents and county commissioners on land use requests. The group meets twice per month for an average of four hours. Applicants must live in the north part of the county served by Commissioner Todd Mielke or in O’Quinn’s district.

One spot is open on the county’s Citizens Emergency Communications Systems and Facilities Advisory Committee. The group is tasked with tracking expenses tied to a sales tax for improving the county’s dispatch system to law enforcement and health care agencies. The committee meets quarterly, and applicants must live in the southwest portion of the county served by Commissioner Al French.

Applicants should contact Ginna Vasquez, clerk for the County Commission, at (509) 477-2265. Applications may be downloaded online, at spokanecounty.org/ commissioners.