COMMUNITY SERVICE WORK CREWS AND
PLACEMENT
The West-Central U.P. Regional Community Corrections Program provides for the community service work placement of offenders on both an individual level (sending the offender singly to a work site) and at the work crew level (based loosely on the old "chain-gang" concept where offenders are transported by van or bus to a work site and directly supervised by a representative of the program.
Community service participants are referred to the program by probation officers, judges, prosecuting attorneys or the jail. When an offender is referred, legitimate diversion is checked, and the offender's background is verified. The coordinator determines what skills the offender may have and places that offender in appropriate community service work. If employed, every attempt is made to accommodate the offender's work schedule. The coordinator monitors the offender's progress, keeps track of hours performed, and when the required service hours are completed, notifies the court of the completion.
The six-county region has hundreds of community service work sites that accept both the individual offender and makes use of the work crews. All sites are non-profit, governmental, county and municipalities, or community service organizations. All participant offenders have jail reduction or diversion included as a formal part of their judgement of sentence.
The Community Service Work Program frees up valuable jail and prison space by placing those individuals into an alternative work program. The benefits of this program include: the community benefits from the volunteer labor, the jail benefits through better utilization of the facility - getting offenders who do not need to be incarcerated out, making room for the more violent offender, and the offender benefits from the community service work; through the personal reward for volunteering, and the possibility of placement in paying jobs after completion. The offenders self-esteem is lifted and many offenders remain at the community service work sites and volunteer more hours than were required by the court.
ELECTRONIC MONITORING (TETHER)
Eligible offenders are tethered by the Community Corrections Coordinator or by a private contractor in Dickinson and Iron counties, and are monitored electronically. The Coordinator is notified and takes action on any concerns. With the exception of indigent clients, this program is funded by the participant.
Referrals for tether come from the probation officer, court, prosecuting attorney, or the jail. Once the offender has completed his/her time, the tether is removed and notification is sent to the court. Tether referrals receive day for jail time credit. Tether violations are reviewed on a case-by-case, incident-by-incident basis. Severe violations result in immediate incarceration. Coordinators work closely with local law enforcement agencies who provide back-up on trouble calls when requested.
Electronic tethering is an excellent alternative to jail and/or prison. It provides cost-effective supervision at a minimal risk to the community. The offender benefits by remaining in the community, maintaining jobs and family ties, and the community benefits because the offender does not lose his/her job and become a burden on the taxpayers. Jails and prisons benefit, from the extra jail and prison bed space made available.
IN-JAIL SUBSTANCE ABUSE AWARENESS /
COGNITIVE LEARNING PROGRAMS
In Iron County, an in-jail mental health/substance abuse/educational program that focuses on motivational, cognitive and behavioral therapy techniques, provided in a structured living environment. Four significant changes are targeted: Learning to cope with addictive drugs, Motivation for change, Learning emotional management through practical problem solving skills, Learning to balance lifestyles and Job Training skills.
In Delta County, parenting classes
and anger management, along with life skills programs are
offered. Aftercare for the parenting classes is provided by the
Parenting Council, and Pathways (Mental Health Services) offer
support for the anger management graduates.
Jail administration, corrections staff, probation officers, prosecutors or judges may recommend an offender for placement in this program. Once a referral is made, the Coordinator determines placement to specific participant needs. The volunteer (counselor) will report to the Coordinator, who in turn reports progress of the participant to the probation officer on a regular basis (monthly).
Eligible in-mates will receive early release for successful completion. The court and Sheriff will also review inmates progress on a continual basis. Poor attitudes, violations of jail rules and regulations, may result in removal from the program and removal from good time credit. Offenders completing the six week program will receive a minimum of three days jail credit.
Once participants are released from jail, they are referred to outside agencies for continuing education and treatment. Additionally, referral to further Job Training Programs and possible employment agencies may be made.
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