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State seeks to expand Pocatello reentry center staffing as part of community‑corrections growth
Summary
The Community Corrections Division asked the committee to annualize staffing for the Pocatello Community Reentry Center and requested additional parole officers and drug‑testing resources; the governor recommended the requests.
The Department of Correction’s Community Corrections Division told lawmakers on Feb. 4 it needs additional staff to support expanded community reentry centers and probation/parole operations.
What was requested: Analyst Noah Peterson said the division seeks annualized funding to support staff hired mid‑year for the Pocatello Community Reentry Center. The committee was told the personnel annualization to fund 17 positions on an ongoing basis would cost $680,700; if approved, the Pocatello Community Reentry Center’s ongoing operating budget would total about $2.4 million.
Other community‑level needs: Peterson listed a $721,200 appropriation for expanded drug testing (including opioids such as fentanyl), $750,000 for transitional housing and reentry supports, and 6 FTP and $616,500 ongoing for additional parole officers in Districts 3 and 4. The division also described a pilot program with 2 FTP to provide medication for opioid use disorder to incarcerated people, with the case managers coordinating post‑release treatment.
Why it matters: The agency framed these enhancements as investments to reduce recidivism and support reintegration. Peterson said community supervision and reentry represent the second‑largest division by staff and that personnel costs account for roughly three‑quarters of community corrections expenditures.
Governor’s recommendation: The governor recommended the proposed annualization, replacement items and inflationary adjustments. Committee members did not object but asked for clarifying details on behavioral health gaps in the next presentation.
Taper: The director and analysts said the committee will receive further documentation and the agency will deliver operational details for the reentry expansion if requested.
