ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The juvenile justice system is no longer Washtenaw County’s go-to option when children and teens are accused of minor crimes. Since his term started, Savit has introduced sweeping policy changes to the county’s justice system, including rescinding the county’s no-tolerance policies, scrapping cash bail and combatting racial profiling. “All of this gives rise to a simple conclusion: Our justice system needs to treat kids like kids. Fights involving injuries and/or weapons on or off school property will be dealt with at the discretion of the prosecutor’s office. Petitions can be authorized by APAs if a continued threat to the safety of others is indicated or if the case is “more severe than typical school-related misbehavior.”Find the full policy directive here.

Gretchen Whitmer signed a 20-bill bi-partisan package Monday, easing penalties such as traffic offenses, and cutting down jail time and parole for some people, including children. READ: Whitmer signs bills to shift away from jail time for traffic offensesSantana sponsored three of the bills, which got Michigan’s laws more in line with the federal statutes. I was one of those waiver youth at one point, so I understand why this legislation is important,” Santana said. Among the measures were 20 based on the recommendations of the Michigan Joint Task Force on Jail and Pretrial Incarceration formed in 2019. Law enforcement also will be allowed to use discretion to issue a citation and release a suspect from custody for most misdemeanors.