Two years ago, Butler County officials created an advisory board to improve the county's criminal justice system.

A main purpose of the Butler County Criminal Justice Advisory Board is to develop policies and find the money to support improvements.

Michael Noyes, deputy court administrator for Butler County Court, said the grants have far exceeded his expectations.

"We're beginning to reap what was sown," he said. "I am pleased with the (advisory board's) success."

The board has gotten $932,956 in grants, with another $1,000 expected to come from the Wal-Mart Safe Neighborhoods Heroes program, which would pay for protective gear worn by correction officers in the county prison.

Marty Fleischer, the grant writer-criminal justice planner for the court administration office, said counties with criminal justice advisory boards that show their dedication to improving their systems are the ones that get funds.

"The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency (a source for funding) pays attention to those counties," he said.

The advisory board fulfills an even more important function - being a collective effort among elected and appointed county officials, human services staff, municipal and state police, and members of the public.

They work together, said Fleischer, who is a former police chief in West Deer Township

"Those people at the table, they put egos aside," he said.

Noyes said the board stresses problem solving. Fleischer said that commitment is critical when the purpose is to ensure public safety and to turn people's lives around.

The degree of cooperation on the board results in comprehensive answers to any problem.

"It's not just what the sheriff needs, but how changes affect every other segment, too," Fleischer said. "If the DA's office needs to work harder, it does."

Noyes said there's a greater understanding among the departments. For example, a police officer knows more of the issues facing the prison rather "than just dropping off someone at the jail."

The creation of the advisory board has led to increased cooperation in other ways. Fleischer said the new Butler County Police Chiefs Association is a direct result of the board's discussions.

Shared resources are another advantage. Fleischer said the advisory board members understand each other's needs. When Cranberry Township police replaced their handheld radios, the old equipment was donated to the county prison.

"It's not us versus them," he said.

Frank Matis, the county director of emergency services and an advisory board member, agrees.

"It gives everyone a better understanding of the whole process," he said. "It gives us a chance to see what happens on the judicial side and them a chance to see what happens in emergency services."

Since Matis also serves as the representative for the Southwest Pennsylvania terrorist task force, that aspect is tied into public safety discussions.

In addition to the advisory board, subcommittees concentrate on specific issues, including jail overcrowding, juvenile court, treatment/human services and law enforcement.

The board is looking for a county resident to become part of the process. It has a vacancy. Interested applicants should send a resume to: CJAB, Butler County Courthouse, P.O. Box 1208, Butler, PA 16003, Attn: Marty Fleischer.