YAKIMA — Yakima County is getting ready to allow certain people arrested for low-level, non-violent crimes to be released from jail while they await trial.
Superior Court officials announced Monday that the county was among 20 communities nationwide selected for a pre-release program created by the New York-based Arnold Foundation.
The Yakima Herald-Republic said the county will get about $100,000 in training and other services a year from the foundation. The program gives courts tools to help determine which defendants can be released safely and which should be detained before trial.
Court Consultant Harold Delia said the county’s program should be running by November.
It’s aiming at lowering the costs of housing defendants who may otherwise be released. It’s also allowing defendants to keep jobs and remain in the community while they wait their trials.
Under the program, the offenses considered including public intoxication, burglary and traffic violations, though not drunken driving.
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