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According to reporting by Michael Standaert from the ND News Cooperative, two major criminal justice initiatives approved last year by the ND Legislature are reaching the point of implementation, offering new pathways for both low-level offenders and those nearing release from incarceration. One program has been used right here in Jamestown.
Though state officials are describing the rollout as “slow,” the intention behind the programs is to address the root causes of crime, like mental health and addiction, rather than relying solely on jail time.
The Prosecution-Led Diversion program is supported by a $1 million pilot fund, allowing state’s attorneys in Cass, Grand Forks, and Stark counties to bypass formal charges for nonviolent offenses. Offenders are paired with “navigators” who guide them toward treatment or administrative fixes, like regaining a driver’s license, instead of court.
A program entitled “Breaking the Cycle” creates grants that assist nine counties in preparing inmates for life after release by offering services inside the facility. A program called “Shining Light” has been used at the James River Correctional Center in Jamestown, and is now expanding to county jails like McKenzie County. It utilizes religion, humanities, and creative activities like poetry and singing. McKenzie County officials report being “shocked” by the number of enrollees attempting to join the program.
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