County program resumes next month, Alternative for low-level offenders

FORTUNA, Calif. (KIEM)-The Humboldt County Sheriff’s work alternative program, also-known-as SWAP will resume next month, but with several health and safety precautions.

The program was temporarily suspended due to the global Coronavirus pandemic.

The program offers alternatives to incarceration and allows low-level offenders to work off their sentences while remaining productive members of society.

“So what you can do instead of serving your actual out in the jail you can come out here one day a week and work for about 8 hours,” said Sgt. Lee Myers with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s. “That allows you to maintain your job you home life or whatever your responsibility you have on the outside.”

Those working off their sentence can work on the county farm where the county produces vegetables for the jail, cows, chickens, and pigs help offset the cost of the food for the jail itself.

Maintaining the farm is an everyday chore deputies are tasked with while the program is on hiatus.

On July 6th, participants will again have the opportunity to work at the sheriff’s wood lot or farm, the animal shelter, County Motorpool, the McKinleyville Community Services District and at the Hoopa Food Distribution Center.

Myers says not only can participants work their time off they can learn skills that will help them be productive to society and their families.

“We produce firewood, we have a garden as you probably see over my shoulder. We have livestock you can take care of you can learn a job trade while you’re out here and get some skills you can take back to your family.”

There are an average of 190 participants on swap at any given time providing service to the Humboldt community.

The program is not available to those charged with violent crimes, for more information how to participate in the SWAP program, click here.

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