Mesa County joins nine other counties in an effort to support county, court and criminal justice leaders.

The National Association of Counties selected Mesa County for its county courts and justice leaders initiative.

“We are excited to be selected from applicants across the nation,” said Mesa County Sheriff Todd Rowell. “This is perfect timing as several community partners have recently come together to improve our mental health, substance use and criminal justice systems. We are thankful to have experts to advise us through the process of improving these systems.”

Participants in the initiative will receive technical assistance and have access to a peer network as well as the opportunity to showcase their results on a national level.

“Mesa County has been at the forefront of bond reform and effective pre-trial supervision, preventing individuals from lingering in jail when they can be safely supervised in the community,” said Lance Phillip Timbreza, a 21st Judicial District judge. 

“This is a unique opportunity to work collaboratively with law enforcement, the court system, our commissioners, local agencies and local providers to continue to expand services in Mesa County to address underlying mental health and substance abuse problems,” Timbreza said. “This will reduce unnecessary incarceration for individuals in need of treatment that will, ultimately, deter recidivism and, in the long run, decrease the number of people in the criminal justice system.”

A Mesa County team will assess gaps and identify priorities for collaboration and improvement within the county’s criminal justice and behavioral health systems. 

The team also will work to reduce the number of individuals with mental health and substance use disorders in the county jail, reduce reliance on incarceration and enhance community trust. The team plans to engage community stakeholders and build upon its peer network to gather information.