Nearly two dozen faith based groups across Lancaster County are pushing public officials on the issue of criminal justice reform. Members of Justice In Action held a rally outside the Hall of Justice in downtown Lincoln Friday morning.
The Rev. Oscar Sinclair of the Unitarian Church of Lincoln says they want to see an increase in pre-trial diversion, especially for non-violent drug offenders that are in jail. “Pre-trial diversion allows folks when they have the worst day of their lives, it is an opportunity to say we think that you are better served by getting services and help than simply punishing you.”
Sinclair says they want to to have conversations with local officials that the community elects because they are the ones that can affect change. He tells KLIN News they have had previous discussions with Lancaster County Attorney Pat Condon over the past two months.
Sinclair says some of those conversations have been candid and there are issues neither side agree on, but he says Condon has shown a willingness to be in the conversation.
