Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Criminal Justice topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Story County probation program reports high completion, low short-term recidivism in FY24
Summary
CCJ told the Story County Board of Supervisors that about 82% of probationers completed probation in FY24 and 92% did not reoffend within one year; program leaders cited substance-use treatment and court-ordered conditions as major focuses and noted a barrier when program fees remain unpaid.
Stacy Sugar, a representative of CCJ, told the Story County Board of Supervisors on April 1, 2025, that about 82% of individuals successfully completed probation in fiscal year 2024 and that 92% did not reoffend within one year after probation.
The report, delivered during the board’s regular meeting in Ames, outlined program outcomes, risk-level assessments and service gaps. "We had about 82 percent of individuals successfully complete their probation and for 1 year recidivism rates, 92 percent did not reoffend post probation," Sugar said.
The CCJ representative said the agency now tracks three-year recidivism and reported that 83% of individuals did not reoffend within three years. Sugar gave a breakdown of assessed risk levels: about 40% entered at a minimum assessed level, roughly 25% at a normal level and 18% at an intensive level. She said 71% of cases involved substance-abuse-related offenses, about 20% involved mental-health issues and roughly 10% were domestic-violence cases.
Sugar also described how the agency verifies completion of court-ordered conditions and works with courts to avoid unnecessary probation extensions. "We have submitted to the court evidence that the person has completed their coursework but have not paid their fees and successfully gotten them discharged from probation," she said, referring to situations where completion certificates for programs such as the Iowa Domestic Abuse Program are withheld until fees are paid.
Board members asked how the county’s risk categories affect supervision. Sugar said higher-risk individuals typically meet more frequently with probation officers and that officers have discretion to escalate contacts when a client experiences a crisis. She described the violations process: officers file a report of alleged violation with the county attorney, who may submit it to the court; a judge then decides whether to revoke probation. Sugar said a new criminal-law violation typically prompts a revocation report.
The CCJ presentation included demographic data showing most clients were ages 18–29 or 30–64, and that a majority of clients fell below federal poverty guidelines. Sugar said CCJ coordinates with local partner agencies to help clients meet court-ordered conditions and treatment requirements.
The board did not take formal action on the report; supervisors asked clarifying questions and thanked staff for the update.
The agency’s figures and the details Sugar provided will inform county oversight and contract decisions going forward.
