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Report: Speciality probation program reduces unemployment, recividism rates

Photo courtesy Michigan Supreme Court.

A new report from the Michigan Supreme Court says a specialty probation program is reducing unemployment and recividism rates among its graduates. 

The Swift and Sure Sanctions Probation Program targets medium to high-risk felony offenders who have a history of probation violations and failures. According to the report, unemployment among graduates of the program was reduced by more than two-thirds. 

Michigan Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Clement spoke with WCMU's Mike Horace about the report: 

Clement says the program allows for probation officers to intervene immediately after a probation violation, and ultimately, help get the probationer back on track.

"What we've seen is that early intervention, especially with medium to high-risk offenders, is very effective," she said. "Early on, they know 'oh I can go to jail for this,' so they're less likely to continue to violate their probation."

Mike Horace is WCMU's Radio Program and Operations Manager.