Winnebago County DA outlines “high frequency, low severity” program targeting small group of repeat offenders

District Attorney Kristen Gossett presented the county's new "high frequency, low severity" program to the Winnebago County Board on July 8, describing a targeted effort to identify and treat a small group of repeat offenders whose behavior drives a disproportionate share of crime in the county.

Gossett said the program focuses on people with unusually high numbers of contacts with police and court referrals and emphasized that the county's approach combines assessments, case management and treatment opportunities. "This program involves the District Attorney's Office doing risk needs assessments, understanding the individual's issues, connecting them with services," Gossett said. "The sheriff's office is doing case management for the individuals. They're providing treatment even when people are in the jail."

The presentation drew public comment and pushback from housing advocates who warned planners not to conflate homelessness with criminality. Tina Haffman, a member of the Winnebago Land Housing Coalition and a founder of Day by Day, told the board…