Right on the Bluff: October 2024 - Commissioner Mick Wright

In this issue

Better bail data
Judge Anderson strikes again
Emergency jail repairs
Supporting Dr. Feagins

Better bail data

One year ago, an initial round of bail hearing data was released by the Judicial Commissioner program and General Sessions Court.

The report looked at case outcomes before and after the Standing Bail Order went into effect.

But a faulty configuration within the report led to the conclusion that the rearrest rate had fallen as a result of reforms to the court’s bail-setting process.

News media reports ran with that false conclusion, which was repeated by journalists and newsmakers several times in the following weeks.

Here are some examples:

Finally this month, that conclusion was reversed, thanks to a more comprehensive and valid assessment of the data performed by the Center for Community Research and Evaluation at the University of Memphis.

In a committee meeting on September 4, Associate Director Dr. Jonathan Bennet, introduced the Center’s review, “Analysis of the Pretrial Detention System in Shelby County, Tennessee.”

It found the rearrest rate ticked up slightly, as I had previously argued based on my own review of the data.

My thanks to the news outlets who took the time to set the record straight.

The report also found the average “affordable bail” amount to be $0, which was the amount set by judicial commissioners and judges in 56% of cases.

Thankfully, a new state law has gone into effect that prioritizes public safety as the first consideration in setting bail and prevents the court from using a bail calculator to spit out an “affordable” bail amount.

Judge Anderson strikes again

Speaking of bail hearing decisions, this month General Sessions Judge Bill Anderson ignited controversy again with a decision to release on recognizance the individual charged with shooting four people outside Railgarten.

Earlier this year, I called for Judge Bill Anderson to resign and step down from the bench. Now I am even more convinced that the reckless decisions being made by Judge Anderson present a threat to public safety.

WREG News Channel 3 covers the story here: County leader blasts judge after shooting suspect’s release from jail; judge responds

Emergency jail repairs

Millions of dollars in emergency repairs need to be made at the Shelby County Jail. In my latest Micksplainer, I provide some background and share what happened.

Supporting Dr. Feagins

Dr. Marie Feagins became superintendent of Memphis-Shelby County Schools in April. She was hired to run the district by the Board of Education.

Now, only six months into her role, some former members of the board are going public with criticism. One even called her selection a “mistake” and said she was the “least qualified” candidate in the pool.

But the board chose Dr. Feagins knowing the obstacles in her path, and her plans to address them. I believe the board should stand behind that decision and support her.

Upcoming meetings

Oct 9 — Standing Committee Meetings, 8:30 a.m.
Oct 14 — Commission meeting, 3 p.m.
Oct 23 — Standing Committee Meetings, 8:30 a.m.
Oct 28 — Commission meeting, 3 p.m.

Book of the month

This month I’m reading Shepherds for Sale by Megan Basham.

Stay in touch

If you have a question or concern, email me at mick.wright@shelbycountytn.gov.

You can speak with the Commission office by calling 901-222-1000.

I welcome your feedback on Facebook @CommissionerMickWright and X @mickwright.

Thanks for reading.

Mick Wright
Shelby County Commission – District 3