Commissioners describe new violence and recovery task force; Elizabeth Smart event planned in Tiffin

During commissioner reports on June 9, a commissioner described the formation and plans for a new violence and recovery task force that brings roughly 25 local entities together to coordinate prevention, response and recovery work.

The commissioner said the task force has formed subcommittees to focus on specific needs and is pursuing fundraising to support programming. "Our first goal that we're working toward is in November…we are the task force is going to contract with Elizabeth Smart…to come to Tiffin and do a one‑hour presentation, a moderated Q&A and a book signing," the commissioner said, adding the current target date is Nov. 17 but the date remains subject to change while fundraising continues.

Officials described outreach to neighboring counties and to local criminal‑justice stakeholders during the task force design, and noted strong community interest in participation. The organizers emphasized they are structuring the group to avoid being purely a monthly convening and intend to use subcommittees to accomplish practical changes.

Commissioners thanked organizers and encouraged participation; no formal board action was recorded on the task force during the meeting.