<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2wxq5B_0wCsMe6d00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2wxq5B_0wCsMe6d00" width="840" height="560" ><figcaption>lakshmiprasad S / iStockphoto</figcaption></figure>Gallatin County Courts have seen a 30% increase in felony cases in the last year.Gallatin County Attorney, Audrey Cromwell says a new program to reduce recidivism by addressing root causes of criminal behavior, could help slow the growing workload.“This will give us a little bit of relief, it should release some pressure on our caseloads and the court’s docket, as well giving best outcomes to defendants” Cromwell said. The new program called PIVOT, is similar to a drug court which helps offenders receive addiction treatment, but this new program casts a broader net helping connect offenders with mental health services, and other community services and programs including housing before going to trial.“There's a lot of research that shows that early intervention programs like these but that seek out and address the root cause of crime reduce recidivism and make your communities safer” Cromwell said. First time felons with crimes that are not violent or sexual in nature would qualify. Since the program started two weeks ago the court has seen 8 people qualify and expects the program to help a couple hundred people stay out of the system.</div></body>

Mountain View, CA

NewsBreak

Alternatives for first time felons

Gallatin County Courts have seen a 30% increase in felony cases in the last year. Gallatin County Attorney, Audrey Cromwell says a new program to reduce recidivism by addressing root causes of criminal behavior, could help slow the growing workload. “This will give us a little bit of relief, it...