Study: Jail Programs can Reduce Number of Repeat Offenders

Aug 23, 2012 by Scott Weisser

ELKHART — Brad Rogers is in the business of law enforcement. He prefers not to have repeat customers.

And at the Elkhart County jail, something seems to be working.

Rogers, the Elkhart County sheriff, said jail programs have reduced the recidivism rate for participating inmates — most often by more than half. He touted the results of an independent review of those programs Wednesday morning at the jail.

Rogers said he has no statutory reason to be concerned about repeat offenders. But public safety does concern the sheriff, and Rogers said, “If we reduce recidivism, we reduce crime.” He also indicated the Sheriff’s Department approach is a “paradigm shift” that goes beyond simply warehousing inmates.

“I think we’re on the cutting edge in Indiana,” Rogers said.

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