BEDFORD – Lawrence County Community Corrections demonstrated significant success across its rehabilitation and monitoring programs in 2024. Under Director Chad M. Shew, the agency achieved notable improvements in several key areas while generating substantial cost savings for the county.
According to the department’s annual advisory board report, the Electronic Monitoring Program saw a 75% successful completion rate, up 3.75% from the previous year. The program served 190 individuals across 248 cases, with 136 successful completions. The program’s 66% employment attainment rate was particularly noteworthy, with 43 out of 65 initially unemployed participants securing jobs and 23 participants advancing to better positions.
The department’s Alcohol Monitoring program showed remarkable progress with a 94% successful completion rate, marking a 28% increase from 2023. The program served 41 participants, with 30 successful completions.
The Community Transition Program, which helps individuals transition from the Indiana Department of Correction back into society, maintained a strong 96% success rate. While slightly down from 2023’s perfect record, the program significantly expanded its reach, serving 27 individuals – a 337% increase from the previous year.
Community service initiatives played a vital role in the department’s success. Throughout 2024, program participants contributed to numerous local events, including the Lawrence County Fair, Lions Club Pancake Festival, and Bedford Christmas Parade. Notable projects included assembling storage shelves for men’s warming shelters and supporting the White River Humane Society.
The department’s programs generated substantial taxpayer savings. The Electronic Monitoring Program alone saved over $1.4 million in local jail costs, while the Community Transition Program saved $151,954 in state incarceration expenses.
The juvenile division showed innovation in community engagement despite facing challenges in finding suitable service locations for underage participants. The Juvenile Problem Solving Court maintained its comprehensive approach, utilizing a team of professionals, including judges, prosecutors, and social service providers, to support at-risk youth.
Financial records indicate healthy program funding, with the Adult Project generating $211,712.77 in income, the Juvenile Project bringing in $97,917.04, and the Community Transition Program receiving $247,450.00 for the year.
The report was presented to the Lawrence County Commissioners and Indiana Department of Correction following quarterly advisory board meetings held throughout 2024, demonstrating the department’s commitment to transparency and continuous improvement in community corrections.
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