Fulton County Commissioners Discuss Funding For Jail Diversion Programs
During a special meeting on Wednesday, Fulton County commissioners will discuss which jail diversion programs should receive approximately $2 million dollars in county funding.
One of the options is the use of electronic monitoring for offenders that commit non-violent crimes and are considered low risk. Under the program, participants would wear an ankle bracelet that electronically monitors them at all times. John Eaves is chairman of the Fulton County Commission:
“Instead of incarcerating at a cost of 70 something dollars a day, we’re looking at a more practical, economical option of having electronic monitoring that may cost 10 to 15 dollars a day.”
Eaves says the funding could also be used to add additional spaces in the county’s mental health and drug courts. Commissioners will also consider what’s called a day reporting center. Under that option, offenders would be put into a work program during the day. At night, they would report to a center with some supervision. Again Chairman Eaves:
“I believe the end result will be enhanced public safety for our communities, keeping our jail numbers down, rehabilitating offenders, so they will be less likely to commit crime and go back into our criminal justice system.”
Eaves says the board of commissioners will likely vote on the funding in late March or early April.
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