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[Note: This material is copyright by The Daily Iowan, and is reproduced here as a matter of "fair use" for non-commercial, educational purposes only. Any other use may require the prior approval of The Daily Iowan.]

In a joint meeting with the Johnson County Board of Supervisors and representatives from the government's Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee, officials discussed the progress of designating a new site for a possible justice center.

Supervisor Sally Stutsman said a justice center differs from a jail because it could hold courtrooms and judges' offices as well.

The county has communicated with three firms that could study a site for the possible center, and supervisors could receive recommendations from which company to choose by March 15, board executive assistant Mike Sullivan said.

Johnson County prosecutor Janet Lyness said the supervisors would have to tell the firm what it wants for the justice center.

"The board's going to have some decisions to make on what it's looking for," said Supervisor Pat Harney.

Meanwhile, justice committee members spoke to the supervisors about expediting cases, adding new personnel to its panel, and possibly implementing a work program for inmates.

Johnson County Sheriff Lonny Pulkrabek said the panel has considered implementing an expediter, who could help open up jail space for offenders at the Johnson County Jail.

In Scott County, for instance, the expediter works with the courts to fast-track cases. Lyness is planning on visiting Scott County to observe how such a position would work.

Information from the Scott County Community Jail and Alternatives Advisory Committee shows that by using an expediter, the average time for inmates from first appearance to arraignment has been reduced by 21 days.

The law-enforcement official also told supervisors about ways to improve the justice committee.

Pulkrabek said a few officials with the National Institute of Corrections recommended revamping the Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee to include policy experts and possibly a committee staffer.

Because of time constraints for both him and Lyness, Pulkrabek said, the county should contract out a facilitator, who could gather information for the group as well as create agendas to keep the committee focused.

The sheriff also said the committee could include members of the public and policy experts, such as judges.

"That's where I think they can be involved," Pulkrabek said.

Inmates working outside the jail quarters was another alternative Pulkrabek suggested. He said he was discussing the issue with Johnson County Sheriff's Capt. David Wagner.

Pulkrabek said his department would line up work for the inmates, possibly to work on Johnson County facilities. The sheriff's proposal could allow for inmates to trade eight hours of work for one day in jail with the possibility of improving county buildings.