FARMINGTON, Utah — The Davis County Sheriff's Office is having success with a new program that allows some inmates to use ankle monitors instead of being incarcerated.
The program, first introduced in October, is designed for low-level and non-violent offenders who would spend their days in work release or school and their nights in jail.
Funding from the federal CARES act allowed the Sheriff's Office to purchase ankle monitors and laptop computers to track inmates.
RELATED: Davis Co. ankle monitoring program provides alternative to incarceration
The Sheriff's Office began its ankle monitor program with seven inmates in October. Since then, a total of 47 people have been admitted to the program and 30 remain active.
"We're pleased to report that it has been a positive alternative to incarceration for the majority of participants, a Facebook post from the Sheriff's Office says.
“I think it will continue because the work center, the way it was, I’m not sure that will ever come back where we house inmates in here. There was a time that we‘d have 126 inmates in here, coming and going all day long," said Sgt. Ron Rowe, Davis County Sheriff's Office. "With COVID and the pandemic, I don’t think that will ever happen, especially with the program being as successful as it is, I think it’s showing that there’s alternatives to incarceration.”
According to Rowe, the people who violated the terms and conditions of the program had substance abuse issues, which can be especially difficult to manage during the holidays.
