TDCJ, parole board publish self-evaluations for Sunset process

From the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition's latest newsletter:

TDCJ's Sunset Review is Beginning - We Want Your Input!

If you care about criminal justice reform, now is the time for you to speak up and voice your concerns.

TCJC is very excited to tell you about a unique opportunity to offer input and suggestions that will help improve Texas' criminal justice system. Presently, the Sunset Advisory Commission has begun its review of TDCJ and other criminal justice-related agencies, including the Board of Pardons and Paroles, the Windham School District, and the Correctional Managed Health Care Committee.  Based on its evaluation, the Commission will make recommendations on how each agency can be improved or whether the agency should be abolished.

You can take part in this opportunity for improvement by letting us know what should be done to improve Texas' criminal justice agencies.  TCJC has created a comprehensive guide to the Sunset process to help individuals understand the process, how they can get involved, and what resources are available.  Please click the link below to download a PDF version of our guide to Sunset:

• Policy Guide to the Sunset Review Process

To download a 1-page flyer on how to participate in the Sunset process, please click below: 

• Share Your Story - Participate in TDCJ's Sunset Review Process!

Again, the Sunset process is in its beginning stages, and most agencies under review have already submitted Self-Evaluation Reports (SERs), which are available on the Sunset Advisory Commission's website.  To view each agency's SER, visit the Sunset SER webpage here!

To view individual agency SERs, please click on the links below:

• Texas Department of Criminal Justice
• Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles
• Windham School District

• Note: The Correctional Managed Health Care Committee's SER is not yet published.

An agency's Sunset review typically only occurs every 12 years, so we must seize upon this rare opportunity to improve the criminal justice system.  Through the Sunset process, and with your help, we can achieve the necessary reforms that can make Texas' criminal justice system a model for others.

They're right. The Sunset process is a unique opportunity to suggest improvements at the agency at a deeper-in-the-weeds level than is often possible. Check out those self-evaluations, as will I, and I'm sure Grits readers will be hearing more on these subjects sooner than later.