PITTSFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. – On Monday, the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office announced it is now vaccinating incarcerated individuals at Washtenaw County Jail against the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Due to their close quarters, those within the jail are susceptible to outbreaks and have the potential to become “community spreaders”, officials said. In a statement, Washtenaw County Sheriff Jerry Clayton highlighted steps WCSO and its partners have taken during the pandemic to reduce the risk of spreading the virus within the jail. Those entering the jail can receive the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. WCSO also has an online tracking COVID-19 data within Washtenaw County Jail.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, Mich. – Washtenaw County is looking to fill three new positions in the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office and Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office. “As a Board, we are committed to supporting efforts to increase the fairness and effectiveness of the criminal justice system in Washtenaw County,” said Sue Shink, Chair of the Board of Commissioners and Commissioner for District 2, in a release. “The Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion will build on the racial equity work already being done by the county,” said Washtenaw County Sheriff Jerry Clayton in a release. Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion / Deflection ProsecutorWithin the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office, this role will oversee all cases that have been diverted through the LEADD program, track program participant progress and ensure participant needs are addressed. Program CoordinatorWorking in the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office, the program coordinator is responsible for daily operations of the LEADD program, including coordinating with community partners to design, implement, and sustain program activities.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office announced that it has forgiven $509,888 of outstanding debt incurred by 31,614 individuals while at Washtenaw County Jail. The decision, made by Sheriff Jerry Clayton and supported by the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners, affects community members incarcerated between January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2020. “Our decision to eliminate this debt reflects our understanding of the stress and financial burden of incarceration,” said Clayton through a release. AdThe sum of $509,888 was identified after a review of the jail debt owed since 2013. In 2019, it increased the amount of money an indigent incarcerated individual was allowed from $3 per week to $5 per week and expanded what items that money could buy.

Gretchen Whitmer has made appointments to the Black Leadership Advisory Council. Pastor Atterberry is appointed to represent Black leadership in the faith-based community for a term commencing November 12, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2022. Dr. Bell is appointed to represent Black leadership in technology for a term commencing November 12, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2022. Ms. Ellsworth Etchison is appointed to represent Black leadership in economics for a term commencing November 12, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2023. Mr. Rutherford is appointed to represent Black leadership in government for a term commencing November 12, 2020 and expiring December 31, 2022.