In a bold move to tighten the reins on transparency and community relations, Clackamas County District Attorney John Wentworth has played his hand in the creation of a new advisory panel. The freshly minted Clackamas County District Attorney's Office Advisory Panel is a chessboard of diverse community reps, tasked with bringing their neighborhoods' voices to the table.

According to Clackamas County, Wentworth expressed his satisfaction, saying, “These local community members will be key in making sure the criminal justice system in Clackamas County is both in tune with and reflects the values of our communities.” The appointment of this panel, which is a first in the state for DA's offices, breaks from Clackamas County's norm, as it operates independently of the over 40 advisory boards that normally report to the Board of County Commissioners.

Tasked with quarterly meetings, this panel isn't just for show—they are expected to lay down the law in offering real insights to the DA’s office. A clear signal that Clackamas County is gunning for a justice system that listens and learns from the people it serves, fostering much-needed conversations around the delicate dance between law enforcement and the public.

With an eye toward communication and education initiatives, Wentworth added, “Our goal is to forge robust connections with people and organizations throughout the county.” The panel's diverse lineup is tasked to play the role of mediators, striving to strengthen the community's trust and cooperation with legal eagles in a county that's had its share of justice being blind to the community’s actual needs, as per Clackamas County.

The Panel’s roster boasts names like Imran Hader, Cecilia Monto, and Keith Sconiers, among others—each bringing a slice of Clackamas to the decision-making table. It’s a melting pot of viewpoints and experiences, bound by the common goal of reworking the gears of justice to be more representative and responsive to those it's meant to protect and serve.