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Board receives sobering numbers on current county probation cases
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By Charlie Warner
Argus News Editor
Houston County offenders are keeping Minnesota State Department of Corrections (DOC) probation officers busy. According to DOC District Supervisor Rena Patterson, her department is currently handling 215 adult misdemeanor, 58 gross misdemeanor, 62 felony, 233 unsupervised, 41 group supervised, and nine felony level six offender cases. Patterson presented those numbers to the Houston County Board during the Aug. 19 meeting.
The county decided to contract with the Minnesota State Department of Corrections (DOC) for court probation services in April, after long-time Court Services Director Kevin Siebold retired.
County commissioners looked somewhat surprised with the numbers Patterson cited. But Patterson said the numbers were pretty much average for a county of this size.
“The numbers change daily. Right now we’re providing active supervision for 335 adults and 70 juveniles,” Patterson continued. “When school starts, the numbers go up. We deal with more truancy cases. And, we’re seeing younger kids all the time, many committing more serious crimes than in years past.”
Patterson added that the female population has been increasing, and they now handle nearly as many female cases as males.
Commissioner Tom Bjerke asked if the DOC is offering programs to curb the number of re-offenders.
Patterson said there are programs in place to help counsel alcohol and drug offenders, as well as other clients.
“We’re trying to work with them through motivational interviews, and counseling here instead of sending them off to jail or prison, and having them return with new friends and new ideas they picked up while being locked up,” Patterson noted.
DOC Officer Jennifer Barnes, who also attended the board meeting, said she and other officers work with various job placement agencies to help their clients obtain employment.
“That’s one of the most important issues in changing their lifestyles,” Barnes said. “If they can gain employment, have a steady job, they have a much better chance of staying out of trouble.”
Patterson added finding a home is also very important in helping their clients turn the corner.
“Our goal is to find them homes and jobs, and help them change their lives. Many people don’t want to deal with persons who have committed crimes. It is a real challenge finding jobs and housing.”
Patterson told the board she feels the transition has gone smoothly, and she hasn’t had to travel from her regional office in Winona to Caledonia as much in the past few months.
“It takes time to develop the program, but we’re getting there,” she concluded.
You can contact Charlie Warner at
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