Message from the Coordinator:

I am fast approaching the completion of my first year as Alternatives To Incarceration Coordinator, and what a whirlwind year it has been! These are exciting times to be working in the Criminal Justice system in Ontario County.

My primary focus has been to meet with Judges for the purpose of exchanging information, thoughts and ideas as well as research new ATI programs that Ontario County might benefit by.

The jail over-crowding and new jail construction project is a big issue for Ontario County officials. I am encouraged, however, by talking with local Judges who have indicated their openness to new ideas and their willingness to try alternative sentencing options. I believe there is more recognition now than ever before, that the traditional "lock-em up" approach is often not the best approach for the offender or for the taxpayers and citizens of Ontario County. I remain available and open to any of our Judges who have questions or comments about specific programs or ATI in general.

Programmatically, the Pretrial Release Program has been researched and has been shown to be a highly effective program in other counties. Recognizing that the legal purpose of bail is solely to assure a person's re-appearance in court, under this program, Judges can release certain offenders to the supervision of the Pretrial Release Program rather than having the offenders sit in jail for days or weeks solely because they have no financial resources to make bail. The supervision they receive primarily focuses on making sure these offenders appear for their next court dates, as directed. Supervision continues until the case reaches final disposition. This is a highly credible program which operates across the state in all but three counties. It is my hope that Ontario County will resurrect this program and that the jail over crowding problem will be lessened due to the number of offenders released to Pretrial Release supervision.

The other two projects I've been primarily focused on are the Drug Treatment Court and the S.T.A.R. program. Articles updating you on each of these programs are found elsewhere in this newsletter.... so keep reading!

I want to take this opportunity to thank all of those people who continue to support Alternatives and my efforts as Coordinator. I have many great friends and colleagues who have helped me tremendously over this past year. You know who you are and you have my gratitude and appreciation. I look forward to continuing in my capacity as ATI Coordinator and remain anxious, watching for positive changes happening in Ontario County.

 ~Ginny Gumaer