NEWS RELEASE - February 16, 2010 Bredesen Appoints Members to Governor's Criminal Justice Coordinating Council Wednesday, February 24, was the first meeting of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) since it was reconstituted by the Governor. The Council has been created by Executive Order by Governor Bredesen, and there is legislation in this session to make it a permanent body. The Council is made up primarily of heads of criminal justice agencies with representation from law enforcement, the judiciary, corrections, and both the prosecution and defense bars. The purpose of the Council is to identify major issues in the Criminal Justice System that are harming public safety and to recommend changes that will both increase public safety and efficiency. The slogan is "Smart on Crime but not Soft on Crime." Two of the focus areas that have been identified are issues with the juvenile justice system and improving re-entry efforts for offenders coming out of jails and prisons. The Council will do research, gather statistics, ask for experts in the field to make presentations, review and comment on proposed legislation, among other things. At the first meeting, former Commissioner Ray reported on the status of the Joint Offender Management Plan, and Chairman Traughber reported on the history of the CJCC. The Council is chaired by Mayor A.C. Wharton, of Memphis, who has been with the Council from its inception. Major efforts by both Parole Board Chairman Charles Traughber and former Commissioner of Correction George Little contributed to the creation of the Council.   Send any comments and questions to TDOC Webmaster.