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End of Pre-Release Center partnership removes community-service option, pressures local sentencing alternatives
Summary
City and court staff said the Pre-Release Center partnership ended July 1, eliminating a local alternative for community service placements and fine-work-off sentences; Judge Dunn attributed the change to the facility taking federal and DOC contracts, and staff said no replacement provider has been identified.
Court staff told commissioners that the Pre-Release Center — a long-standing partner that coordinated community service placements and provided a jail alternative — ceased that partnership on July 1. Morgan Medvec said the center had previously tracked compliance for community service and fine-work-off placements; with the program ended, the court currently has no local organization providing those specific services.
Judge Mark Dunn explained his understanding that the facility has contracted beds reserved for federal agencies and the Department of Corrections and is using those beds for federal or DOC inmates. He said the city reached out to Cascade County Sheriff Slaughter, who indicated he was willing to accept additional individuals if needed. The removal of the Pre-Release Center option could increase court time and complicate sentencing logistics, the judges said.
Commissioners requested further information about the reasons the partnership ended and noted reentry programs often pursue revenue sources that affect capacity. No immediate replacement program was identified during the session.
