October 10, 2007

The Justice and Public Safety Steering Committee focuses on all matters pertaining to criminal justice and public safety systems, including criminal justice planning; law enforcement; courts; corrections; homeland security; community crime prevention; juvenile justice and delinquency prevention; emergency management; fire prevention and control; and civil disturbances.

“Committee leadership at the national level is a serious commitment and a big responsibility,” Coleman said in a letter to Huffman. “A great deal of NACo's strength is in its committees, and that strength is reflected in the commitment and active participation revealed throughout our committee
structure. This year promises to be an exciting one and I look forward to working closely with you to further NACo's goals which, in turn, will benefit America's counties.”

NACo's steering committees form the policy-making arm of the Association. Each committee is comprised of approximately 60-100 county officials from across the nation who meet several times each year to examine issues critical to local government.

“I am proud to be a part of the National Justice and Public Safety Committee,” Huffman said. “Over the years, Catawba County has received grants and funding because department heads have been in key positions. I want to thank NACo for this opportunity.”

The steering committee's recommendations on legislative policies and goals are presented to NACo membership during the Association's Annual Conference. If approved, the recommendations become part of the American County Platform, which is the basis of NACo's efforts in representing counties before Congress and the White House.