Campaign For Criminal Justice and Transparency - CCJT

06/04/2026

Jury duty is more than a summons in the mail, it is one of the most powerful ways everyday people participate in our democracy.

For centuries, juries have served as a safeguard against government overreach and a way for communities to have a voice in the justice system. While the system is not perfect, it works best when people show up and participate.

The next time you receive a jury summons, remember: your voice matters, your perspective matters, and your service matters.

Justice isn’t just built in courtrooms. It’s built by communities.

06/01/2026

05/29/2026

Last week, Campaign for Criminal Justice Transparency addressed the Kalamazoo County Commission regarding a proposed policy update connected to the County’s jail telecommunications contract.

Because families are charged fees each time they add money to telecommunications accounts, many deposit larger amounts at once to avoid repeated charges. But when someone is released from jail, remaining balances can expire if no action is taken.

Our proposed update is straightforward:
As part of the release process, individuals should receive a clear verbal and written explanation informing them that a balance exists, when it may expire, and how they can recover it.

For people leaving jail, recovering funds from a telecommunications account is often not their first priority. They are focused on transportation, housing, employment, reconnecting with family, and rebuilding stability. Small policy decisions like these can have real impacts on individuals and families across Kalamazoo County.

Read more about our recommendations and how to get involved here:
https://www.ccjtkalamazoo.org/jail-telecommunications-contract

Watch the full public comment video below.

05/28/2026

A 5th grader stepped up to the microphone last week to remind adults why community voices matter.

During public comment before the Kalamazoo County Commission, a student advocate from Kalamazoo Public Schools spoke about the importance of public input in the jail telecommunications process and encouraged the community to share their experiences.

That message matters.

Too often, the people directly impacted by jail communication systems are left out of the conversation. Families, formerly incarcerated individuals, loved ones, and community members all carry experiences that deserve to be heard and this student reminded the room of exactly that.

Stories can be shared publicly, anonymously, or kept private and used only to inform the campaign.

Share your story here:
https://www.ccjtkalamazoo.org/jail-telecom-voices

Watch his public comment video below.

05/27/2026

“What’s in the minutes matters.”

Last week, Campaign for Criminal Justice Transparency addressed the Kalamazoo County Commission regarding the future of jail telecommunications in our community and the conversation is far bigger than phone calls.

Our Executive Director presented five recommendations that we believe should be incorporated into the County’s new jail telecommunications contract. These recommendations focus on transparency, affordability, accountability, family connection, and ensuring the system works for the people most impacted by it.

For many families, a phone call from jail is not just communication it is emotional support, access to children, legal coordination, mental stability, and preparation for reentry. The decisions being made now will directly impact real people across Kalamazoo County.

This is a community issue, and the public deserves to understand what is being proposed before a final contract is approved.

Read all five recommendations here:
https://www.ccjtkalamazoo.org/jail-telecom-asks

Watch the full public comment video below.

05/25/2026

Check out our Executive Director and one of our future student advocates speaking about our jail reform campaign around the telecommunication systems here in Kalamazoo County.

Want to know more? Visit our website

https://www.ccjtkalamazoo.org/jail-telecommunications-contract

Two speakers from the Campaign for Criminal Justice Transparency came before the county board Monday with five specific requests around jail telecommunications, the phone and communication systems …

05/14/2026

Governor Gretchen Whitmer Appoints Kalamazoo Judge Namita Sharma to Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice - Judge Sharma, presiding judge of the family division of the 9th Circuit Court, and earned her JD from the Detroit College of Law. She will be reappointed as a juvenile or family court judge for a term commencing August 3, 2026, and expiring August 2, 2030.

05/12/2026

Check out our newly launched community awareness campaign focused on jail telecommunications in Kalamazoo County!!!!

As the County prepares a new contract, we believe this is an important opportunity for residents to better understand the current system and participate in the conversation around transparency, affordability, and communication access.

Learn more, explore the recommendations, and share your voice:
https://www.ccjtkalamazoo.org/jail-telecommunications-contract

Take the Survey or Share Your Story:
https://forms.gle/1xdXXZQhhnNgMU4QA

CCJT // Jail Telecom Reform Home The Issue The Research Voices Our Asks Take Action Status The new jail telecom RFP has not yet been publicly released. The five asks on this site reflect CCJT's current positions. As the county makes formal announcements, we will update this site to reflect what has....

05/05/2026

🚨 SAVE THE DATE 🚨

ALPACT Kalamazoo Presents:
Mental Health and the Justice System

Join us for a powerful community conversation bringing together voices across the justice system to explore how mental health intersects with real-life experiences in our community.

🗓 May 28, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

This event will feature:
🔹 A panel discussion with system partners
🔹 A presentation by Lindsey O’Neil (ISK)
🔹 Open dialogue and audience Q&A

This is about understanding, collaboration, and moving toward better outcomes for everyone.

🎟 Spots are limited secure yours today!

https://forms.gle/5HyxikfMfsrbJm3T6

📲 Scan the QR code on the flyer to register

Let’s come together to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and strengthen how our systems respond to mental health.

02/17/2026

Two weeks ago, we said goodbye to Ty’Asia as she closed out her chapter with the Campaign for Criminal Justice Transparency (CCJT). While transitions are never easy, this one comes with deep pride and forward momentum.

Ty’Asia was an essential force on our team. She showed up with heart, discipline, and a clear commitment to advancing justice and strengthening community trust. As a Kalamazoo native and WMU graduate, she poured intention into serving Black and Brown communities and pushing for greater transparency within our local systems.

Although she has stepped away from her role at CCJT, her commitment to justice continues. We are excited to see her move into her new position as a Legal Assistant at Hills at Law, P.C. This opportunity marks meaningful progress toward her pursuit of a law degree and her long-term vision of transforming the juvenile justice system.

Ty’Asia, we are grateful for your leadership, your advocacy, and the impact you made here. We are confident you will continue to be a wonderful voice for Kalamazoo, and we look forward to cheering you on and seeing you at future CCJT events. 🧡