State Attorney Melissa Nelson launches Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee to reduce crime, recidivism

Jacksonville, FL — It's aimed at reducing crime, as well as recidivism rates, among youth.

State Attorney for Florida's Fourth Judicial Circuit, Melissa Nelson, has announced the creation of a Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee.

Over the next year, Nelson's office says the JJAC will be tasked with reviewing current juvenile diversion programs and look for opportunities for improvements.

The committee will also look at how other jurisdictions across the nation address juvenile justice, with the goal of bringing the best practices to our area.

The effort will be led by Buddy Schulz, the Holland & Knight law partner, and joined by other stakeholders.

Nelson says, "I am thankful that such a dedicated group of community leaders has stepped up to take on this smart justice initiative. With their assistance, we will be able to find solutions to benefit this community and make it safer."

The first meeting of the JJAC has been set for September 29, from 9:00-11:00 am at Holland & Knight, at 50 North Laura Street.

Meetings will be open to the public.

FULL LIST OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS, RELEASED BY NELSON'S OFFICE:

• Buddy Schulz (chair), Partner, Holland & Knight

• The Honorable Suzanne Bass, Circuit Judge (Division JV-A), Fourth Judicial Circuit

• Vicki Burke, Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative Coordinator, Florida Department of Juvenile Justice

• Jim Clark, CEO, Daniel Memorial Inc.

• The Honorable Brian Davis, District Judge, U.S. Middle District of Florida

• Pamela Davis, Executive Director of Dropout Prevention, Duval County Public Schools

• Rory Diamond, CEO, K9s For Warriors

• Kevin Gay, CEO/Founder, Operation New Hope

• Nat Glover, President, Edward Waters College and former Jacksonville Sheriff

• Dr. Jeff Goldhagen, Professor and Chief of Community Pediatrics, UF College of Medicine — Jacksonville

• Shelley Grant, Professor of Sociology, Jacksonville University

• Marcus Haile, Chief Development Officer, Cathedral Arts Project

• Gretchen Hamm, Comprehensive Service Center Operations Manager, Mental Health Resource Center

• Elder Lee Harris, Pastor, Mt. Olive Primitive Baptist Church

• Bill Hodges, Government Affairs and Strategic Initiatives Director, Jacksonville Children’s Commission

• Alan Louder, Director of Juvenile Diversion, Fourth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office

• Michael Meyers, Retired Partner, Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP

• Lara Nezami, Partner, Finnell, McGuinness, Nezami & Andux PA

• Deloris Patterson, Assistant Chief and Zone 5 Commander, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office

• The Honorable Jack Schemer, Circuit Judge (FM-A), Fourth Judicial Circuit

• Anthony Stinson, Community Activist and Small Business Owner

• Nina Waters, President, The Community Foundation of Northeast Florida

• Vicki Waytowich, Project Director, System of Care, Jacksonville Children’s Commission