Rep. Mike Jones, R-Andalusia, was one of eight people Gov. Robert Bentley yesterday charged with the implementation of criminal justice reform approved by the legislature this year.

Bentley issued an executive order creating the Alabama Criminal Justice Oversight and Implementation Council.

The Council will collaborate on developing evidence-based policies and guidelines for treatment programs and community correction programs in an effort to reduce recidivism. Members will analyze data reflecting client participation in and treatment services from state-funded programs to ensure performance-based funding.

Jones, who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, worked closely with passage of the prison reform initiative.

Gov. Bentley’s Deputy Legal Advisor, Franklin Johnson, will serve as chairman of the Council. Other members appointed to the council include:

• Secretary Spencer Collier, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency

• Commissioner Jim Perdue, Alabama Department of Mental Health

• Commissioner Jeff Dunn, Alabama Department of Corrections

• Phil Bryant, Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles

• Bennett Wright, Alabama Sentencing Commission

• State Sen. Cam Ward (R-Alabaster), Chair of the Alabama Senate Judiciary Committee

The group’s first meeting is set for late July.