HILLSDALE COUNTY — Hillsdale County officially launched its community corrections program on Feb. 1 after securing a Michigan Department of Corrections grant last fall and hiring a grant-funded program manager in January.
On Wednesday, April 10, the Community Corrections Advisory Committee, comprised of county judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, business leaders, law enforcement leaders, and County Commissioner Brad Bensing, held its quarterly oversight meeting.
During the meeting, data from February and March showed that 76 arrestees were assessed and 41 were released under community corrections supervision, aimed at reducing recidivism and the typically overcrowded prison population. He indicated he had been placed in a pretrial program.
Of the 41 people released on pretrial supervision, 98.7% complied with the order and appeared in court, and only two committed new crimes while under supervision.
Data shows Hillsdale County's program exceeds all five key performance indicators expected by the State of Michigan under the grant-funded MDOC program.
Judge Megan Stiverson said most people on pretrial supervision are ordered by the court to obtain and maintain employment as a condition of their release, which may include a reduced bond or personal recognizance bond. He said that there are many cases.
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Given the limited data showing early success, the board will then discuss plans to submit a new grant application in fiscal year 2025 to continue the program beyond the end of September.
Judge Sarah S. Lisnyai said the new funding request includes funding drug testing for people on pre-trial release and a request to extend tethered services beyond the first 14 days of pre-trial release. Said to be included.
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The FY 2025 request also includes funding for educational materials to help people under community corrections supervision begin rebuilding their lives through data-driven, proven methods.
The board is scheduled to meet again in July.
Before Hillsdale County established its own program, it was one of three counties across the state that did not have a grant program established by the state Legislature and funded by the Michigan Department of Corrections.
— Contact reporter Corey Murraycmurray@hillsdale.net Or follow him on X (formerly Twitter: @cmurrayHDN).