On December 31, 2006 the County Work Release contract held by ComCor, Inc. was terminated by the El Paso County Commissioners. This was a portion of the service cut - back proposed by the Sheriff’s office. The reduction in services was part of a broader cost savings plan submitted to the El Paso County Commissioners. The cost of services provided by ComCor, Inc. had not been raised in ten years.
The work release model was operated by ComCor, Inc., a sole provider, over a period of 28 years with some minor interruptions. The purpose of the program was to offer judges an alternative to jail confinement or conditional release of offenders back into the community. This service relieved the pronounced problem of jail overcrowding. The goal was successful reentry into the community, following the completion of a court imposed sentence for criminal behavior. ComCor’s mission statement is “We believe people can change, and we provide the opportunity”. To that end, County and State offenders lived in a supervised residential setting where they were closely monitored, provided with a large variety of rehabilitative services and supported by a comprehensive case management system. Strict monitoring and accountability was maintained to assure public safety.
A large in- house clinical and medical staff was also used to evaluate and address client needs. As the program title suggests, the largest single advantage was the ability of offenders to work in appropriate jobs while supporting family and contributing tax revenue. Substantial taxpayer cost savings were realized. While it requires approximately $52.00 a day to maintain a person in jail, inmates in work release were charged $17.00 a day as a subsistence fee. Evaluation, both internal and external, was an ongoing process through this American Correctional Association (ACA) accredited program.
Even though the county contract has terminated, work release placements are still available to out of county jurisdictions, city ordinance violators and self-pay clients.
As a supplement to the community, non-residential programs are also offered. These consist of a wide variety of monitoring devices coupled with personal reporting requirements. Drug screening, alcohol evaluation and mental health services are also available.
Although the County residential work release program at ComCor, Inc. is no longer available to the public, ComCor continues to offer reintegration programming, as budget permits. It is the continuing concern of this non-profit organization that the community not be deprived of effective choices in the field of criminal justice.
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