The Harris County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, created by Commissioners Court on July 14, 2009, is working to improve the criminal justice system and reduce the jail population.

The purpose of the 11-member Council, chaired by Harris County Precinct One Commissioner El Franco Lee, is to enable the county to begin moving forward on the recommendations outlined in a Denver-based Justice Management Institute report, which was accepted by Commissioners Court on June 23, 2009.

The Council, which consists of elected officials, is responsible for policy development and oversight of improvement initiatives for the criminal justice system.

The members include:

• Two Commissioners Court members
• District Attorney
• District Clerk
• Sheriff
• County Attorney
• Administrative Judge of the District Courts
• Administrative Judge of the Criminal Trial Division of the District Courts
• Presiding Judge of the County Criminal Courts
• Presiding Judge of the 16 Justices of the Peace Courts
• Constable to represent the eight constables