STS projects beneficial, save taxpayer dollars
2 forms of program exist in Washington County
Judge Greg Galler
Guest Writer
We sometimes hear about government programs that cost a lot of money and don’t work very well. I wanted to let you know about a program that works well and saves money. It is Washington County’s Sentence to Service program (known as STS).
STS is a program that takes low-risk, minor offenders out of jail to perform work on behalf of the community. This saves taxpayers money by not having to house, feed, and care for them in jail. Additionally, thousands of work projects have been performed by STS crews over the years. Typically three crews work most days. Each crew, comprised of about eight people, is fully supervised while they work.
Crew members have been convicted of offenses such as repeatedly driving without a license or insurance, disorderly conduct, DWI, shoplifting, or writing bad checks. Those convicted of crimes of violence do not typically serve on STS crews.
There are two ways that offenders can serve time on STS. First, there is the “out of custody” program where offenders report to the jail at 8 a.m. each day. Work continues until 4:30 p.m. when offenders go home for the evening. These offenders receive day-for-day credit against their sentences for time on the STS crew.
There is also an “in-custody” STS program. Those offenders do not go home. They work on projects during the day and stay in jail at night. In-custody offenders receive two days jail credit for each day they work. Most offenders serve on the out of custody program.
Years ago, when I was the Hugo City Attorney (and also served on the advisory board that oversaw the STS program), the city wanted to clear a ditch of brush and other obstructions. The lowest bid for the work came in at about $20,000. The city did not have money budgeted for the job.
On my suggestion, the city requested to have the work done by an STS crew. Within several weeks the job was done. This saved money and provided a benefit for Hugo. It also saved the county money by keeping offenders out of jail. Taxpayers saved money on both ends.
Other projects include filling sandbags in the spring, clearing county parks of deadfall wood (and then splitting and selling firewood), clearing fire hydrants of snow, picking up garbage on roadsides, painting public buildings, and maintaining public landscaping.
Recently, STS crews helped to rehabilitate the Art Reach Alliance building in Stillwater. Some offenders learn valuable work skills for the first time. Many also report an appreciation for having helped the community.
Last year over 1,200 offenders participated in STS. This saved nearly 13,000 days in jail that would have cost the county over $1.4 million. Additionally, the STS crews completed projects worth an estimated $763,000.
If you know of a public project that an STS crew might be able to work on in your community, contact your city or town, or call Washington County Community Corrections at 651-430-6900, and ask for program supervisor Dave Wiles.
Judge Galler is chambered in Washington County. If you have a general question about the law or courts, contact the editor of this newspaper. To listen to a podcast of this columns, go online to www.judgegreggaller.com.
