By Marcus Rauhut
Public Opinion
HARRISBURG — More offenders are being referred to an alternative punishment program, but the program still remains under-utilized, according to the state’s corrections secretary.
The number of offenders admitted to the State Intermediate Punishment program rose for the third straight year, according to a report released this week by the Department of Corrections.
Still, only about a quarter of eligible cases are referred to the program, which when used saves the state an estimated $33,250 per participant.
“At a time when everyone is looking to decrease costs and save money, programs like SIP are huge cost-savers,” Department of Corrections Secretary John Wetzel said in a statement. “In addition to saving money for the commonwealth, SIP also helps offenders break their addictions and change their behaviors resulting in their being more pro-social and crime free. Even after all of the work done to educate judges, district attorneys and public defenders about SIP, why more counties don’t take advantage of this win-win program is puzzling to me.”
Franklin County has been a leader in referring cases to the program. Of the counties with large numbers of eligible offenders, Franklin County ranked second in referral rates, according to the report.
Offenders are referred to the program by the court and screened by the Department of Corrections. Those who use a deadly weapon or commit a personal injury crime or sexual offense are not eligible.
The state intermediate punishment program was created in 2005 in response to concerns about the link between substance abuse and crime — as well as the finding that many crimes are committed while the offender is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The program targeted drug offenders and eligibility requirements were expanded with the passage of a new law in 2012, according to Daniel Hoover, Franklin County chief adult probation officer.
The first two phases of 24-month program include at least seven months in a state prison and several months in an intensive inpatient alcohol or drug treatment program.
The third phase involves at least six months of outpatient addiction treatment, followed by a final phase of supervised reintegration into the community.
Three years after completing the program, overall recidivism rates are lower than comparable offenders. However, at six months, one year or five years, the recidivism rate is not any different, according to the study.
Franklin County also operates a similar intermediate punishment program. Hoover said the severity of the crime determines whether an offender can be sentenced to the state or county program.