Community Supervision
Community Supervision Programs are designed to provide a structured environment for people who have found themselves going through the criminal justice system. These programs offer a unique blend of oversight and guidance, helping participants avoid reoffending while also empowering them to become productive members of society.
Probation Case Management
A comprehensive supervision program designed for individuals who have been sentenced to probation as an alternative to incarceration. Strict focus is placed on compliance with their court order to include the payment of court fines, restitution, classes, counseling, community service, drug testing, and any other condition the court imposes.
Through personalized plans, regular check-ins, and access to resources, community supervision officers (CSO) help to ensure the individuals meet these obligations while addressing the underlying needs to reduce the risk of reoffending.
Pre-Trial Diversion
Purpose
Focuses on rehabilitation and avoiding a formal criminal conviction.
Eligibility
Typically offered to first-time or low-risk offenders who meet specific criteria, such as non-violent offenses.
Process
Participants agree to complete a structured program that may include counseling, community service, or other interventions designed to address the underlying causes of their behavior.
Outcome
Upon successful completion of the program, the charges are often dismissed or not pursued, resulting in no criminal conviction on their record.
Goal
To provide a second chance and prevent future criminal behavior while reducing the burden on the court system.
Pre-Trial Release
Purpose
Allows a participant to be released from custody while awaiting trial, rather than being held in jail.
Eligibility
Generally based on the individual’s risk of flight, danger to the community, and other factors considered by a judge.
Process
The participant may be released on their own recognizance or with conditions such as bail, GPS electronic monitoring, or regular check-ins with a community supervision officer (CSO).
Outcome
The participant remains free until their trial date, at which point they must appear in court to face the charges. Compliance with conditions of release is required to avoid a revocation of release.
Goal
To ensure participant appears in court on their trial date while remaining free until proven guilty.
Community Service
A court-ordered program that gives participants the opportunity to perform work for the benefit of the community as part of their sentencing. Typically, this is an alternative to paying fines, incarceration, or other penalties. It could involve a wide variety of assignments such as cleaning and maintaining public parks, assisting non-profit organizations, working in food banks, helping at community events, or other community-based activities.
When ordered to complete Community Service, a participant must complete a designated number of hours within a specific timeframe set by the court. Participants are expected to fulfill their service hours diligently, adhering to the guidelines set forth by the court.
For the community, this provides essential support to local organizations, valuable services and improvements to public spaces, and contributes to projects that might otherwise lack sufficient resources. For the court system, it offers cost-effective and restorative justice approach that holds individuals accountable, reduces the need for incarceration, alleviates overcrowded jails, and allows participants to make amends by directly contributing to the betterment of the community.
SASSI Evaluation
The SASSI (Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory) evaluation is a specialized tool designed to detect substance use disorders by evaluating attitudes, behaviors, and patterns associated with addiction, even when individuals may be hesitant to openly discuss their substance use. Benefits include:
– It helps detect substance abuse issues, including cases where may minimize or deny their problems.
– Provides valuable insights that guide the development of personalized treatment plans, ensuring interventions are appropriate and effective.
– Facilitates early detection and intervention, which can lead to better outcomes and more efficient use of treatment resources.
– Offers a nuanced understanding of an individual’s substance use, supporting more informed decision-making.
Overall, the SASSI evaluation enhances the ability to address substance abuse issues and support individuals in their path to recovery.
MASEP
The Mississippi Alcohol Safety Education Program is a state-mandated initiative, under the Mississippi Implied Consent Law, designed to address issues related to impaired driving for first-time offenders. The program is aimed at individuals who have been convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or another substance.
MASEP provides participants with the information about the effects of alcohol and drugs on driving, the legal consequences of impaired driving, and strategies for making safer choices. Completion of MASEP is often required by the court as part of sentencing for first offense DUI convictions.
MASEP’s Goal:
To reduce DUI recidivism by first-time DUI offenders in MS and thereby enhance traffic safety.
Domestic Violence Programs
* Domestic Violence Programs vary depending on geographic location.
Domestic Violence Intervention Program (DVIP) or Batterer’s Intervention Program (BIP) are specialized initiatives designed to address and reduce instances of domestic abuse through targeted education, counseling, and support. These programs focus on understanding and dismantling the power and control dynamics in abusive relationships. Classes typically range from 18-26 weeks in length.
These programs focus on participants taking full responsibility for their behaviors and challenging the participants existing beliefs and attitudes.
MADD Victim Impact Panel
The MADD Victim Impact Panel (VIP) program is an initiative by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) that aims to educate and prevent future incidents of impaired driving. During these panels, individuals convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) hear firsthand accounts from victims and survivors of drunk driving accidents. The program provides a powerful and emotional perspective on the real-life consequences of impaired driving, helping offenders understand the devastating impact their actions can have on others. The goal is to foster empathy, accountability, and ultimately, reduce repeat offenses.
* Online Victim Impact Panels may be offered in select areas, depending on eligibility.
Anger Management
Anger Management programs are structured interventions designed to help individuals understand and control their anger in healthier, more effective ways. These programs combine education and therapy to address the underlying causes of anger and provide participants with practical tools to manage it. Key components often include learning about the triggers and physiological responses associated with anger, developing relaxation techniques, and practicing mindfulness to prevent anger from escalating.
The benefits of Anger Management programs extend beyond the immediate reduction of angry outbursts. Participants often experience improved relationships, as they learn to interact more positively with others, reducing conflicts both at home and work. The programs also help decrease the risk of aggressive behavior and violence, creating a safer environment for everyone involved.
Ignition Interlock
A device that is installed in a participant’s vehicle to help prevent impaired driving by ensuring the driver is sober before starting the engine. These devices require the driver to blow into a mouthpiece, which measures the breath alcohol concentration (BrAC). If the BrAC is above a predetermined limit, the ignition interlock prevents the vehicle from starting, effectively stopping the driver from operating the vehicle.
Commonly mandated by courts as part of sentencing for DUI convictions. In addition to preventing impaired driving, they often include features like rolling retests, which require the driver to provide additional samples at random intervals while driving, to ensure continued sobriety.
Benefits of a Community Supervision Program
1. Reduce Recidivism: By utilizing the best evidenced-based practices, community supervision programs have proven to lower recidivism rates by addressing the root causes of criminal behavior. Through regular check-ins, counseling, and having access to resources, participants are less likely to return to the criminal justice system.
2. Support and Resources: Participants in these programs receive critical support and guidance, including job placement opportunities, educational opportunities, and mental health services. This holistic approach ensures that they have the proper tools needed to build a stable and fulfilling life.
3. Cost-Effective Solutions: Compared to incarceration, community supervision is a cost-effective alternative that saves taxpayer money while still ensuring public safety. By keeping individuals in their communities instead of jail, they can continue working to provide for their families and be a productive member of society.
4. Accountability: Encourages personal responsibility. With the support of probation officers and community resources, participants learn to make better decisions and develop the skills necessary for long-term success.
5. Community Involvement: These programs foster interaction with local organizations, employers, and residents of the community. This collaborative approach not only benefits the individual but also strengthens the community as a whole.