A state initiative meant to make Ohio neighborhoods safer by getting people out of the criminal justice system and back on their feet might come to Athens County in the next year, officials said.
But it would have to work alongside a local program already in place.
The Safe Neighborhoods Initiative, launched in May, is a targeted effort by the state in which the Ohio Attorney General’s office singles out cities that have high rates of violent crime.
State officials then identify the “most violent offenders” in these areas and work with police, churches and service agencies to let those offenders know that “we’re watching you,” Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine said.
So far, the state has implemented the initiative in Akron, Steubenville, Warren and Lima. It has been geared to target the most violent criminals in Ohio and lead them toward a better, more honest life, DeWine said.
“We’ll help them with some job training, we’ll help them get their GED. Anything that they need, we’ll try to be of assistance to change their life,” DeWine said, adding that if someone turns down any offer, “they have no immunity.”
He added that the state is waiting to see how it plays out in mid-sized cities before going into large metropolises or small towns.
“That doesn’t mean we couldn’t extend it to Athens or some other community” at some point, he said.
There is a diversion program already in place in Athens County, which is largely similar to DeWine’s, but on an arguably smaller scale. It’s headed by Athens County Prosecutor Keller Blackburn.
The program requires participation from the admitted criminals for two years.
Like the Ohio Attorney General’s initiative, the diversion program gets the participants involved in community service, job training and rehabilitation.
“What we’re trying to do is help those who stumble into the criminal justice system get out without a felony,” Blackburn said, noting that his and DeWine’s programs are essentially aimed at doing the same thing.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for those who accept it. And for those who don’t, they’re convicted of a felony.”
@jordan_stickle
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This article appeared in print under the headline "Programs aims to help criminals"
