NCJ Number
126644
Journal
Detention Reporter Dated: (May 1990) Pages: 3-10
Date Published
1990
Length
8 pages
Annotation
A program established in Kennebec County (Me.) has significantly reduced jail crowding while increasing the effective treatment of persons convicted of drunk driving and has led to the creation of a second program that serves multiple offenders and has further reduced the demand for jail beds.
Abstract
The Kennebec County Operating Under the Influence Program was established in 1986. It combines work, a weekend schedule of public service, and education on alcohol abuse as an alternative to incarceration for first offenders. Offenders are housed in a school facility on weekends and carry out cleaning and maintenance work in return for 1-day sentence reductions. Less than 5 percent of the participants have become repeat offenders, compared to a previous recidivism rate of 33 percent. The program has a net cost of less than $5 per participant and is strongly supported by the law enforcement community, the judiciary, legislators, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Tables, excerpts from program rules and materials, and district attorney's memorandum outlining the program