Victim advocates want a say in cutting criminal justice costs

People who speak on behalf of those touched by some of Snohomish County’s worst crimes said Wednesday they want to make sure the needs of victims are considered as officials look for ways to cut law-and-order costs.

"You have to consider victim and community safety, not just bottom-line dollars," said Jeri Costa, a victim advocate and former state senator from Marysville.

Crime victims have a point of view about law and justice, and when it is not carefully considered, needless harm can result, said Jenny Wieland, executive director of Everett-based Families and Friends of Violent Crime Victims.

"They are an integral part of the picture," she said.

The pair want to make sure there is room for victim advocates on County Executive Aaron Reardon’s recently formed Law and Justice Task Force. The group, which is set to meet for the first time March 30, is comprised of county department heads, mayors, police chiefs, city council members, judges and others.

Reardon on Wednesday said he not only welcomes what victim advocates have to say, but already has his staff exploring other avenues to make sure they and others are involved in helping his administration find solutions.

The Law and Justice Task Force is supposed to look for ways to make the criminal justice system operate more efficiently. Reardon said he and his staff also have been discussing the formation of similar groups to look at domestic violence and social ills that contribute to the community’s crime problems.

"I’d love to have them call me and give me their ideas," Reardon said.

The costs linked to arresting suspects, hauling them to court and locking them away last year consumed nearly 70 percent of the county’s annual general fund budget. For 2003, that worked out to about $113.5 million. Similar expense levels are forecast for 2004. Much of those costs are connected to operation of the county jail in Everett.

Reporter Scott North: 425-339-3431 or north@heraldnet.com.