What is Community Corrections?

Community Corrections programs in Michigan aim to provide alternatives to prison for offenders who are at moderate to high risk of reoffending. These programs focus on rehabilitation and reducing repeat offenses through various support services and supervision.

Key Objectives

Community Corrections has several main goals:

1. Reduce Prison Commitments: Lower the number of offenders sent to prison by offering community-based programs.
2. Increase Court Appearance Rates: Ensure that defendants show up for their scheduled court dates.
3. Enhance Public Safety: Help offenders avoid new criminal charges while awaiting trial.

Main Programs and Services

1. Pretrial Supervision: Defendants are monitored through regular check-ins and, sometimes, electronic devices to ensure they comply with court conditions.
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT): These programs help offenders change their thinking patterns and behaviors to reduce reoffending.
3. Specialty Courts: Programs like the Adult Drug Treatment Court and Swift and Sure Sanctions Probation Program offer intensive supervision and treatment as alternatives to incarceration.

How Programs are Measured

Programs are tracked using key performance measures to ensure they are effective. For example:

• Court Appearance Rates: Nearly all supervised defendants attend their court dates.
• No New Charges: The vast majority of supervised defendants do not pick up new charges while awaiting trial.

Funding and Budget

Community Corrections programs are funded through state grants. Local Community Corrections Advisory Boards (CCABs) submit detailed budget plans and reports to receive and maintain this funding. This money is used to support various program services and administrative costs.

Local Efforts and Support

Local CCABs work with law enforcement, courts, treatment providers, and community organizations to deliver comprehensive services. These efforts include:

• Victim Impact Panels: Educating offenders on the effects of their crimes on victims.
• Economic Crimes Education: Addressing crimes like embezzlement and fraud.
• Support Services: Partnering with groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and Celebrate Recovery to provide additional support.

Continuous Improvement

Community Corrections programs continuously seek to improve by analyzing data, gathering feedback, and adjusting strategies to meet new challenges. This might include expanding program eligibility or increasing referrals to underused services.

Conclusion

Michigan's Community Corrections programs provide valuable alternatives to incarceration, focusing on rehabilitation and reducing recidivism. Through collaboration and continuous improvement, these programs aim to create safer communities and support offenders in making positive changes.

 CCAB Members

The St. Joseph County Community Corrections Advisory Board (CCAB) is comprised of criminal justice professionals, substance abuse treatment providers, community members, and other service organization representatives.

• Chairperson – Hon. Paul Stutesman, Circuit Court Judge
• Vice-chairperson – Tom Miles, Twin County Community Probation Center
• Secretary – Lisa Martin, Michigan Department of Corrections
• Board Member – Hon. David Tomlinson, Probate Court Judge
• Board Member – Hon. Jeff Middleton, District Court Judge
• Board Member – Hon. Robert Pattison, District Court Judge
• Board Member - Dave Marvin, Prosecuting Attorney
• Board Member – Autumne Keifer, District Court Probation
• Board Member – Captain Kitty Buchner, St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department
• Board Member – Luis Rosado, St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners
• Board Member –Alek Frost, Communications Media
• Board Member - Sam Smallcombe, Three Rivers Deputy Chief of Police
• Board Member - Luke Nofsinger, Criminal Defense
• Board Member - Tom Lowry, City of Three Rivers Mayor
• Board Member - Workforce Development - Vacant
• Board Member – Eddie MacKay, Business Community
• Board Member - Vacant, Business Community

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