Dave Plyer hide details Oct 30 reply-to dplyer@gmail.com (Yes, this is you. Learn more) to barbara@convergeandassociates.com, bkrische@sa15.state.fl.us, bill@sublettesanders.com, cmartinez@pdmiami.com, ccarlanfl@cox.net, drlandry11@comcast.net, danielle.r.morron@wtas.com, davithom@nova.edu, callawaydjc@earthlink.net, joflanne@fau.edu, isulliva@co.pinellas.fl.us, ealie1@bellsouth.net, julio@fshcc.com, lravoira@aol.com, lrussell@co.pinellas.fl.us, llanger@jud11.flcourts.org, marlonb@gadsdengov.net, neves.mary.sue@firn.edu, immlerm@ci.boynton-beach.fl.us, rajiv_tandon@dcf.state.fl.us, r.danford@jaxul.org, rcrowder@sheriff.martin.fl.us, sidney.morgan@bcbsfl.com, sthompson@deltonafl.gov date Oct 30, 2007 8:31 PM subject Blueprint Commission 10/29/07: Public Comment Pinellas County Juvenile Justice Council mailed-by gmail.com I was "on deck" to speak at the October 29, 2007 Blueprint Commission meeting in Tampa. In the interest of time, I relinquished my turn. Here is what I planed to say. Recommendations to the Blueprint Commission Presented by the Pinellas County Juvenile Justice Council October 29, 2007
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Good evening, I am Dave Plyer and I am pleased to be here on behalf of the Pinellas County Juvenile Justice Council. The Pinellas County Juvenile Justice Council is among the county councils established by Florida Statute 985.664. The primary function of these councils is to provide advice and direction to the department of juvenile justice. The Pinellas County Juvenile Justice Council has, among its members, parents, youth, schoolteachers, clergy, business representatives, youth advocates, and concerned members of the community. During its public meeting last Thursday, October 25th, the Council conducted a round table exercise to identify issues related to the juvenile justice system and some of its key elements: the Department of Juvenile Justice, the courts, the legislature, schools and law enforcement. The Council did not analyze the topics or test them for practicability. The list is simply member observations and concerns that the Council wishes to share with you. Here is the list: 1. 2. Establish a citizen review board with enforcement capability. Give juvenile justice circuit boards and county councils enforcement authority.
3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18.
Reimburse county councils for basic operating expenses. Remove handcuffs and shackles from youth during court appearances. Establish a youth advisory board. Support legislation to keep juvenile records confidential. Stop arresting youth for "misbehaving" in school (trespassing, disorderly conduct, disruption of school environment). Change Florida statute to clarify the definition of "gangs." Change the statute dealing with circuit boards and county councils. Provide due process for all youth. Replace school resource officers (SRO) with behavioral specialists. Implement trial by "peers" for juveniles—that is, by people of similar age. Support a 20% increase in funds for prevention. Require that juveniles have a parent or counsel present before any interrogation begins. Revise rules governing direct file of juveniles to adult court at the discretion of the state. Make all DJJ facility audits readily available for public scrutiny. Require independent certification of DJJ detention facilities and programs. Enable county councils to get public documents from DJJ at no cost.
This ends my presentation. I invite you to visit the Council's web site at www.PinellasJJC.org. Thank you.