The Citizens Advisory Committee usually meets:
 Second Friday of every month
12:00pm - 1:00pm
City/County Building, Room 326
316 N. Park Avenue

Please check the agenda under the Meeting Agendas and Minutes link at the bottom of this page to verify date, time, and location as changes may be made to accommodate holidays and other conflicts.

NOTE: Due to COVID-19 meetings will be held via Zoom until further notice.

The Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) was formed by order of the Board of County Commissioners in 2012 to act as an advisory group to the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC). The primary purpose of the CAC is to solicit citizen input and make recommendations as part of the CJCC's responsibility to study and then make improvements to the local criminal justice system to achieve the highest levels of public safety and program cost and effectiveness.

The CAC has been successful in contributing to a number of issues important to the citizens of Lewis and Clark County:

• Researched, prepared, and presented reports to the CJCC on five unique criminal justice issues. Each of the five reports and the recommendations there-in were accepted unanimously by the CJCC and the County Commissioners.
• Actively supported the successful ballot initiatives approved by the electorate: a construction bond to remodel and expand the existing detention facility, and an operational mill levy for the development of programs to help manage the detention population growth and maintain public safety.
• Created the Department of Criminal Justice Services whose function it is to assist the courts and other county officials better manage existing, and implement new local criminal justice programs.

The CAC will continue to provide the advice and assistance of a citizen’s voice as we manage our way into the future.

The CAC exists to provide citizen input into the safety of the citizens of Lewis and Clark County, the efficient and just treatment of defendants and offenders, the protection and healing of victims, and to work toward prevention of crime and the reduction of recidivism.

CAC Information:

Bylaws

Meeting Agendas and Minutes

The CAC is composed of professionals, service providers, stakeholders, and interested public totaling 25 members:

Tom Cordingley, Chair
Carolyn Belling, Vice Chair

Abigail J. St. Lawrence
Dennis Taylor
Gene Prendergast
John Wilkinson
John Lytle
Marshall Gingery
Mike Mahoney
Moffie Funk
Teresa Charlton
Theresa Ortega
Stephanie Ballenger-Brooks
Jenifer Gursky
Michael Kalous (pending)
Tina Eblin (pending)
17th seat is vacant
18th seat is vacant
19th seat is vacant
20th seat is vacant
21st seat is vacant
22nd seat is vacant
23rd seat is vacant
24th seat is vacant
25th seat is vacant