Go to Jail Or Church

[Danno 1,228]

ALABAMA CITY TO LET NON-VIOLENT CRIMINALS CHOOSE JAIL OR…WEEKLY CHURCH ATTENDANCE

Non-violent offenders in Bay Minette, Alabama, are going to face a choice: Either go to jail and pay a fine or go to church every Sunday for one year. This new policy, which begins next week and is being praised as a potential opportunity to turn lives around, is sure to agitate church and state separatists.

The initiative, called Operation Restore Our Community (ROC), will allow misdemeanor offenders to opt for church worship rather than jail. The concept is simple: If they complete the one-year church program, their case will be dismissed.

The program allows for flexibility, as individuals will be able to select the place of worship they wish to attend. Those who choose this option must meet with pastors and police weekly to ensure that they are completing the initiative as planned. So far, 56 area churches are participating in the ROC program.

Some, though, may be wondering why a church program would be offered as an alternative to incarceration. Utilizing churches as a way to address non-violent crime may, some say, provide individuals with support services as well as an environment that is more friendly to assisting them in changing their lives.

During a time when local communities find themselves strapped for cash, this program may offer relief. According to Bay Minette Police Chief Mike Rowland, it costs $75 per inmate, per day to house prisoners. By placing non-violent criminals into community programs, the cost of incarceration may be brought down substantially.

Rowland has already responded to individuals who may have an issue with the religious nature of the punishment offered. He claims that the provision doesn’t violate separation of church and state mandates due to the fact that offenders are able to choose whether they wish to go to jail or worship weekly.

It’s certainly a unique approach. If it works, other communities could follow suit.

Edited September 23, 2011 by Danno

[slim 1,530]

Awesome! We need more of this.

[Danno 1,228]

Seems like a real money saver and I bet if you did follow up you'd find the re incarceration rate is a bit better than the Dept. of corrections has produced.

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

Is there one for Buddhists?

[Sofiyya 1,687]

What about separation of church and state?

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

What about separation of church and state?

it should be ok as long as everyone is represented.

[natty bumppo 297]

What about separation of church and state?

what if they go to church in a different "state" .... does that count?

Edited September 23, 2011 by natty bumppo

[PantomimeGoose 59]

Unconstitutional. Atheists and agnostics have a choice of finding a religion or going to jail? Whatever happened to community service?

[AmyWrites 593]

No. They could do something that's REALLY productive, like community service, instead. Going to church does nothing for society, and prisoners should be repaying for the damage they've done to society.

[Danno 1,228]

Is there one for Buddhists?

Apparently if a Budist group wants to join the program they are welcome.

I think it's more than just going to services, the offender has to meet with the paster or whoever once a week.

I'm sure some will be for scrapping the idea because every odd relgion can't find a willing leader.... isn't this how it usually works.

[Danno 1,228]

No. They could do something that's REALLY productive, like community service, instead. Going to church does nothing for society, and prisoners should be repaying for the damage they've done to society.

I'm sure that means of punishment is still available but tell me, how many hours of community service should one do for the social damage of Smoking a joint or public intoxication?