ALTERNATIVE SENTENCING PROGRAM WILL HELP EASE BACKLOG OF OFFENDERS

MANSFIELD -- When it opens in late September, Richland County's Community
Alternative Center will have fewer security restrictions than the regular jail.

But it will have layers of rules designed to ensure that those convicted of
misdemeanors fulfill their sentences without risk of losing their jobs.

Parts of two floors, with 70 beds, have been set aside within former
hospital space at Peoples Community Center for overnight stays by offenders
convicted of DUIs and other nonviolent offenses.

The alternative sentencing facility should help ease a backlog of 1,300
offenders waiting to serve their time, program Director Tom Trittschuh said.

And it will provide services for those whose substance abuse habits
contributed to their convictions.

"Our intent for the program is to be at least a 30- to 60-day treatment
program," Trittschuh said.

Offenders who have jobs will be allowed to go to work. But each time they
return, they'll be subjected to searches, and probably breath tests.

Random drug testing will be conducted. And a drug-sniffing police dog will
randomly check for smuggled drugs.

Private security will be hired to patrol each floor, rather than using
sheriff's jailers.

Two offenders will be assigned per room in the remodeled former hospital.
Some rooms will have private showers, but community showers will be available.

Drug and alcohol treatment programs will be provided. That includes group
and individual counseling, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and
Children of Alcoholics meetings.

Group programs will be available mornings and evenings to assure that
offenders with third-shift jobs also get help.

Domestic violence and anger management counseling will be offered.

Offenders can get started on a GED classes offered primarily on site, even
if they're staying just 10 or 15 days.

Bible study and religious services will be available. Local non-profit
groups or churches have committed to providing motivational speakers.
Volunteers will come to the facility to offer arts and crafts and
recreational programs.

Family visitation will be permitted, primarily on the weekends. Unlike the
county jail, as many as three family members may be allowed to visit at any
time. Inmates can obtain calling cards, to pay for phone calls.

"We're going to keep them busy," Trittschuh told the county Community
Corrections Board recently. "I think it's going to be a real positive
treatment facility."

Common Pleas Court Judge James Henson said the Community Alternative Center
will help fill a need left after MedCentral Health Systems closed its
residential substance abuse treatment facility in Crestline.

Initially, the facility will be used for those convicted of misdemeanors,
although judges may eventually sentence some felony offenders with
substance abuse problems there to take advantage of its programs.

The center also may offer "day treatment" for people who are on parole or
probation, to help with drug and alcohol treatment without an overnight stay.

Trittschuh said the program will help people who have good jobs finish
sentences and get substance abuse counseling without risk of losing
employment because of a 30-day jail stay.

"The biggest sell factor with this is they're able to keep their jobs," he said.