IPRTF unveils interim public data dashboard and urges a dedicated data lead
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Summary
IPRTF presenters described an interim public dashboard built from existing county and partner data to track performance indicators and recommended a dedicated, autonomous full‑time position to maintain dashboards, negotiate data sharing and coordinate cross‑sector reporting.
Presenters Marty and Holly walked the Incarceration Prevention and Reduction Task Force through an interim public‑facing dashboard built from existing county and partner datasets and described this first phase as a temporary tool to display performance indicators while the county pursues a more integrated living system.
"We're aiming for simplicity with this dashboard…Much of it is outputs or it's looking at how much has been done rather than outcomes," Marty said, describing the indicators’ intent to answer three questions: how much are we doing, how well are we doing it, and is anyone better off.
The dashboard will have seven sections: progress on implementation projects; measures for reducing and preventing incarceration; alternatives to incarceration (initially mental health court); court system changes; who is incarcerated now; competency evaluation and restoration analysis; and links to longer‑term public health measures.
Presenters highlighted a competency restoration analysis derived from DSHS data: the team reported a marked reduction in average days from court order to admission for restoration services in 2024 compared with 2023, describing an "85% reduction" and noting the data are publicly accessible and will be updated.
Marty and Holly emphasized limits: most indicators are process measures or snapshots; data collection cadence varies (monthly, quarterly, annual); and interpretation notes will be linked to original sources. They described the interim dashboard as a foundation for a more sophisticated platform that could eventually integrate systems and allow anonymous cross‑system tracking.
To operationalize and sustain the work, the presenters recommended the county fund a dedicated full‑time data coordinator positioned with cross‑sector autonomy to manage indicator updates, data‑sharing agreements and partner relationships. The role was described as essential to maintain the interim dashboard, lead technical integration and advocate for sustained funding.
Next steps: draft content will be posted for JPOP review; the interim dashboard will be posted for internal review and, pending feedback, posted publicly within the quarter. The IPRTF asked that JPOP meeting summaries and comments be extracted and shared to inform the February discussion.