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NEWS BRIEFS
Lawrence probation program deemed one of best in Ohio
IRONTON — Lawrence County’s intensive supervised probation department has one of the best rates in the state in keeping offenders from getting in trouble again, said Lawrence County Common Pleas Judge D. Scott Bowling.
The probation department, which works for the court system, has a recidivism rate of around 30 percent, compared to an average of 50 percent around the state, Bowling said.
The department hired Jonathan Sexton earlier this year from a grant through the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections, a move Bowling hopes will lead to a decrease in the number of repeat offenders.
“Ninety percent of our offenders are drug-related offenders,” Bowling said. “Drug addiction is the core of our problem, and any program the state and local officials can create to deal with the problem will help. I’m optimistic the new program will help fill the gap and we’ll see less recidivism.”
Read more in Monday's Herald-Dispatch.
