EDITOR:

The Daily Press recently republished a Traverse City Record Eagle editorial titled, “Jail diversion correct the systems.” Diversion programs are more successful and less costly to taxpayers than jail and prison.

Delta County is missing some diversion options that some other Michigan counties have: day reporting, random drug testing, random residence searches for contraband and a sheriff’s work camp.

Day reporting requires criminals on probation to report daily, often very early, between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. Once present, they’re randomly tested for drug use. Probationers with jobs then go to their jobs. Those without jobs go to a sheriff’s work camp. After work, mandatory classes may be required, like teaching life skills they don’t have.

The sheriff’s work camp is an unpaid work crew managed by the sheriff’s office. The crew does work for the county, but also for individuals or organizations that contract with the county. The crew might shovel sidewalks in the wintertime for the local downtown development association (DDA) or pick up trash at a park or along roadsides. Elderly residents may pay a fee to the county for cleaning up leaves on their property. The work camps are generally popular, since the consequences of crime are visible, and taxpayers get some needed work done. The camps generally pay for themselves since the county charges for services rendered, a modest fee.

Houghton County Michigan does some of this. Otsego County Michigan does all of this.

Robert (Bob) Mammel

Rapid River