Community Advisory Committee

Safety and Justice Community Advisory Committee

The Safety and Justice Community Advisory Committee (CAC) is a group of community stakeholders engaging in key issues across the criminal justice system within Allegheny County. The CAC meets regularly to learn about Allegheny County’s current strategies, offer informed recommendations, and help coordinate effective responses, while always centering community voice.  

Serving as a liaison between the community and system stakeholders, including the Allegheny County Executive, the CAC provides feedback, facilitates opportunities for community engagement, and promotes transparency about ongoing reform efforts. 

The committee is comprised of individuals representing diverse perspectives, including people with lived experience in the criminal justice system, immigrant populations, and other communities who have been disproportionately affected by the justice system or are committed to its improvement.

Members 

  • Jalen Byrd, Mental Health Therapist
  • Sarayu Cheemalapati: Pre-Law Student, University of Pittsburgh
  • Michael Talley: Support and Success Life Coach Coordinator, Community College of Allegheny County
  • Tanisha Long: Abolitionist Law Center
  • Leah Jacobs, PhD, MSW, MA: Associate Professor, School of Social Work, University of Pittsburgh
  • Nadia Mercado: Maternal Child Health Advocate
  • Samantha Monks: Implementation Director, Pittsburgh Area Community Schools
  • Shawna Patterson: Director of Youth Programs, Manchester Youth Development Center
  • Chief Charles Rozzo: Chief of Police, West Homestead Police Department
  • Jon Chillinsky: Regional Director, Resources for Human Development
  • David A. Harris: Sally Ann Semenko Endowed Chair and Professor of Law, University of Pittsburgh
  • Michelle Espinosa- Clark: Subject Matter Expert (SME) at the intersection of Behavioral Health, Criminal Justice, and Community Wellbeing
  • Andrew Johnson, PhD: Executive Director, Youth Guidance Greater Pittsburgh
  • Khara Timsina: Executive Director, Bhutanese Community Association of Pittsburgh (BCAP)
  • Jaime Martinez: Community Leader, Activist, Organizer

History

Relaunched in 2025, the CAC builds on the foundation established by the original CAC formed in 2018. The former committee played a vital role in shaping this transition, offering insights and recommendations that guided the redesign of this revitalized effort. 

The CAC extend our deepest appreciation to the members of the original CAC, for their dedication and partnership. Their commitment to transparency, equity and community engagement laid the groundwork for this relaunch and will continue to inspire our efforts moving forward.

Contact

To learn more, email the CAC.

 

This committee is supported in part by the MacArthur Foundation through the County’s participation in the Safety and Justice Challenge.

DHS Advisory Boards

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