Incarceration

  May 2021

Preventing Incarceration: A Different Approach

by Maddie Smith

Part 2 Whatcom County does not keep track of recidivism rates. When a formerly incarcerated person gets arrested again, they recidivate. This rate is used to keep track of people who have a history in the system and measure the … Continue reading →

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  May 2021

Whatcom County Incarceration Committees

by Bill McCallum

Jail Planning Task Force At the April 26, 2011 meeting, the County Council established the Whatcom County Jail Planning Task Force. The task force of citizens with expertise and county officials  wased focused on finding a permanent facility for housing … Continue reading →

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  January 2019

Stories From Inside the Whatcom County Jail

by Katy Cossette

I am drawn to truth-telling as a journalist, which is why I find it important to tell the stories of marginalized people.Through my time in the jail, I have learned about the missing link of human connection within the American … Continue reading →

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  May 2018

County Council Listening Tour Re. County’s Criminal Justice System

Whatcom Watch

Upcoming Sessions  All meetings start at 7 p.m. May 1 — County Council Chambers May 15 — Sudden Valley Dance Barn May 29 — Ferndale Library June 12 — Fairhaven Middle School June 26 — East Whatcom County Regional Resource Center, Maple … Continue reading →

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  May 2018

Bellingham Reduces Incarceration Challenge

by Judge Debra Lev and Commissioner Pete Smiley

Thinking Outside the Box I take full responsibility and I’m sorry for what I did, but if I could serve my sentence outside of jail then I can keep my job, take care of my family and be able to … Continue reading →

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