Crosscut Now
Sept. 6, 2022 - Community court reduces jail bookings by 87%
9/6/2022 | 1m 15sVideo has Closed Captions
For some, community court reduces jail bookings by 87 percent.
The King County program was founded as an alternative to the traditional justice system, emphasizing rehabilitation over incarceration for those with low-level offense.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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Crosscut Now is a local public television program presented by Cascade PBS
Crosscut Now
Sept. 6, 2022 - Community court reduces jail bookings by 87%
9/6/2022 | 1m 15sVideo has Closed Captions
The King County program was founded as an alternative to the traditional justice system, emphasizing rehabilitation over incarceration for those with low-level offense.
Problems playing video? | Closed Captioning Feedback
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People sent to King County Community Court are staying out of jail.
The King County program was founded as an alternative to the traditional justice system, emphasizing rehabilitation over incarceration for those with minor offenses.
The program has grown to four community courts and resource centers, and it seems to be succeeding.
According to the 2021 King County Mental Illness and Drug Dependency Report, by the third year after enrolling in community court, participants saw 87% fewer jail bookings compared to the year before.
The resource centers have stayed full of treatment and housing providers.
They also have representatives available to help participants find jobs, transportation, and food.
The community court system is paid for through the sales tax in King County.
I'm Starla Sampaco.
Find nonprofit Northwest news every day on crosscut.com.
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Crosscut Now is a local public television program presented by Cascade PBS