WFHB Bloomington Community Radio
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 10:54 — 5.8MB)
Monroe County is considering a new pre-trial diversion program. WFHB Assistant News Director Sarah Vaughan speaks with Monroe County Prosecutor Erika Oliphant about the program, which could be in place as early as this fall.
County officials are working together to reform the county’s criminal justice system. County commissioners have hired two consutanting groups to help with that effort. Commissioner Julie Thomas said yesterday the county also wants to hear from area residents who’ve had contact with Monroe County’s criminal justice system. To that end, four community conversations have been scheduled for this month.
The county’s goal is to not only reduce the jail population, but provide better services for those with mental health and substance abuse issues. Officials hope also to reduce recidivism. It’s part of the county’s ongoing effort to lower jail populations by connecting offenders with support services.
