Community Survey: Impacts of the Jackson County Detention Center

Introduction

Your voice matters...

The purpose of our survey is to center the voices of community members who have been impacted by the county jail (Jackson County Detention Center - JCDC) and learn more about their experiences. We want to hear what you think about the county's investment in building a new jail that will displace an entire community, increase the jail capacity to at least 1,200 people, and cost residents at least $266 million ($266,000,000).

We believe in a Kansas City that centers people, care, safety, and community instead of punishment and cages. We also believe that the community should shape what that looks like. (Your individual responses will be kept confidential – your personal information will not be shared)

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* 1. Have you or a loved one ever been detained in the county jail (Jackson County Detention Center – JCDC)?

Yes

Prefer not to say

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* 2. Have you (or a loved one) experienced any of the following while detained at the county jail (Jackson County Detention Center – JCDC)? (select all that apply)

Exposure to COVID-19

Lack of food/nourishment

Lack of clean water

Lack of access to proper bedding, clothing, shelter

Denied access to masks, sanitizer and/or ability to wash hands during the Covid-19 pandemic

Inability to contact family and/or legal counsel

Punishment or assault by correctional officers or other JCDC personnel

Sexual assault by correctional officers or other JCDC personnel

Denied access to medications

Denied access to mental health resources

Denied access to medical care

Detained after your bond was paid or posted

Over crowding

Prefer not to say

None

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* 3. Jackson County plans to spend at least $266 Million dollars to build a new jail that will displace over 100 community members and increase the number of people that the county jail (JCDC) is able to cage. What best describes your feelings about this investment? (please read all options before selecting)

The new jail is needed and is a good investment for the community

The new jail is needed, but less money should go towards building it

The new jail is not needed, and money should go towards fixing the conditions of the current county jail

The new jail is not needed, the county jail (JCDC) should be closed, and more money should be spent on funding resources that actually keep our communities safe (i.e. education, medical/mental health, housing, employment access, etc.)

I don't have an opinion

Other (please specify)

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* 4. Do you feel that your voice is valued and/or your community's needs are a priority in how elected officials budget and spend public funding?

Yes

I don't have an opinion

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* 5. Where would you choose to spend the proposed $266+ MILLION in Jackson County to support and improve our communities? (select all that apply)

Affordable/Social Housing

Job Access + Equitable Pay

Education Programs

Parks and Public Pools

Water Auditing & Resolution

Mental Health Initiatives

Alternative Public Safety Programs (other than the police)

Healthcare

Environmental Justice Programs

Food Security Programs

Other (please specify)

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* 6. Do you believe that the criminal justice system has been overfunded compared to other public health and safety resources?

Yes

I don't have an opinion

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* 7. Do you think that there would be less harm or "crime" in our communities if people had more access to housing, education, income, and other community resources?

Yes

I don't have an opinion

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* 8. What is your race/ethnicity? (Select all that apply)

Black

Latinx

Indigenous

Asian/Pacific Islander

White

Prefer Not to Say

Prefer to self identify...

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* 9. What is your gender? (Select all that apply)

Woman

Man

Trans

Non-Binary

Gender Fluid

Gender Queer

Prefer to self identify...

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* 10. Are you or have you ever experienced houselessness?

Yes

Prefer not to say

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* 11. Please indicate your age

Under 18

18-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

65+

Prefer not to say

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* 12. What is your zip code?

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* 13. Would you like to share anything else with us regarding your experiences with the county jail (Jackson County Detention Center – JCDC) or with police in Kansas City? (All information shared with Operation Liberation is completely confidential)

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* 14. Thank you for participating in our survey! The information you provided will remain anonymous and will only be used as we find ways to support impacted Community. Would you like to remain in touch with us?

Yes

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* 15. If you would like to remain in touch, please provide your name (optional/confidential)

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* 16. Please provide your email address and/or phone number (optional/confidential)

Phone number