Montgomery County Jail Coalition

06/10/2026

Join us Tuesday June 30 at 12pm for a virtual event to learn how we can use data to improve jail operations, increase transparency, and build public trust. We will host county officials from across the US and study best practices based on their experiences.

RSVP here: https://act.mcjailcoalitionohio.org/jaildata.

Last month, the Montgomery County Jail Coalition advanced a proposal with the Board of County Commission (BCC) to launch a digital dashboard and regular cadence of town halls with the sheriff, so the community can understand what is happening inside the jail in real time. The County is spending tens of millions of dollars to renovate the jail in an effort to modernize the facility and reduce the harm and violence that detainees face inside, which is why we have an opportunity to build-out the necessary information infrastructure, as well. The Coalition has been invited to present the proposal formally to the BCC on July 7.

04/30/2026

MCJC has submitted a proposal to county leadership for increased transparency in the jail and we’re calling on the community to join us next week in supporting this action!

Our proposal would build trust with the public, provide a platform for showing all the progress being made at the jail, and protect the significant investment we are making in the renovated facility.

We are inviting you to we are show up to the Board of County Commission next Tuesday, May 5 6:00 pm at the Historic Courthouse, 23 N Main St., Dayton, OH 45402. Coalition members will give public comment in support of our new transparency mechanism. If you want to speak, please show up at least 15 minutes before the 6p start time. See the link in bio to RSVP!

12/12/2025

ICYMI! We're hosting a virtual educational program next week about civilian jail oversight. Reserve your spot here: https://act.mcjailcoalitionohio.org/in-pursuit-of-jail-oversight-lunch-and-learn.

12/09/2025

Join the Montgomery County Jail Coalition on Wednesday, December 17 at 11:30am for a VIRTUAL lunch-and-learn to hear from others who have established civilian oversight in their counties. Our panel will include Councilman Kevin Madden of the Delaware County Jail Oversight Board (PA) and Judge Jose Linares of the Essex County Correctional Facility Civilian Task Force (NJ).

RSVP: https://act.mcjailcoalitionohio.org/in-pursuit-of-jail-oversight-lunch-and-learn

This past summer, our research report identified several jurisdictions across the country with some form of civilian oversight. As we continue our push for accountability at the Montgomery County Jail, we are excited to welcome guests to share their knowledge and experience with us.

12/07/2025

In today’s Opinions section, civil rights attorney Robert Gresham lays out why meaningful, independent civilian oversight needs to be the next step toward justice for Christian M. Black and all those people impacted by the culture of violence at the county jail. Read and share!!

12/04/2025

We welcome the commissioner’s compassionate and powerful statement. We remain committed to the demand for civilian oversight. If existing forms of oversight were adequate, violence, neglect, and death in the jail would not be so common. We look forward to working with Commissioner McDonald and others in order to find creative, collaborative, and effective solutions to this critical problem of concern to county residents: https://www.daytondailynews.com/local/montgomery-county-commissioner-calls-on-state-local-agencies-to-conduct-comprehensive-reviews-of-county-jail/OWHMRHGIZBETVPJYX7OQVJ4U24/

I recently issued a statement regarding the deaths at the Montgomery County Jail. My heart goes out to the families who are grieving this unimaginable loss.

While the County Commission does not oversee jail operations, I take seriously my responsibility to advocate for transparency and accountability. I am calling on the independent oversight bodies to fully exercise their authority, conduct comprehensive reviews, and share their findings with the public.