Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen today announced 13 appointments to the Governor’s Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, including Hamilton County Public Defender Ardena Garth.
The council coordinates the services of state and local government agencies with non-governmental entities in the criminal justice system to promote public safety.
“Protecting the lives and property of the citizens of Tennessee is one of the highest priorities of state government,” Mr. Bredesen said.
The council’s 19 members represent state and municipal officials, the judicial system, law enforcement, and other segments of criminal justice.
With a mission of advising the governor on the criminal justice system, the council has been operating since November 2007, but was established on a permanent basis last September. The group will be led by Memphis Mayor AC Wharton.