Programs
Community Service Work Crews & 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).
Probation officers, judges, prosecuting attorneys, or jail staff may recommend offenders for this program. After their legitimate diversion is checked and the offender's background is verified, the Coordinator determines what skills the offender may have and places them 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 and tracks work hours performed. The courts are notified upon completion of the required service hours.
The six-county region has hundreds of community service work sites that accept both the individual offender and make 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 judgment of sentence.
Everyone benefits from these programs:
• The Community receives volunteer labor,
• The Jail Facility is better utilized, making room for the more violent offender, and
• The Offender experiences personal reward for volunteering, which may include the possibility of placement in a paying job after completion. Many volunteer more hours at the community service work sites than were required by the court.
Electronic Monitoring (Tether)
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 is able to remain in the community, and maintain their jobs and family ties. The community benefits when offenders do not lose their jobs and become a burdens on the taxpayers. Jails and prisons benefit from the extra jail and prison bed space made available.
Referrals for tether surveilance come from the probation officer, court, prosecuting attorney, or the jail. Once the offender has completed their time, the tether is removed and notification is sent to the court. Tether referrals receive day-for-jail-time credit. With the exception of indigent clients, this service is funded by the participant.
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. 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.
Cognitive Learning Programs
Jail administration, corrections staff, probation officers, prosecutors, or judges may recommend an offender for placement in this program which includes SMART Recovery classes held in Dickinson and Iron counties.
SMART Recovery® (Self Management And Recovery Training) helps individuals gain independence from addictive substances or activities. The scientifically-based program offers tools and techniques for the following points:
Point 1: Enhancing and Maintaining Motivation to Abstain
Point 2: Coping with Urges
Point 3: Problem Solving - managing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
Point 4: Lifestyle Balance - balancing momentary and enduring satisfactions
