Program Keeps Tabs On Offenders

Nine people are being supervised by a new Kootenai County program designed to keep closer track of criminals.

The Adult Misdemeanor Probation Department, created at the request of the magistrate division of District Court, began supervising offenders this month. Fees collected from misdemeanor offenders pay for the program.

People convicted of misdemeanor crimes, such as battery, domestic violence and drunken driving, are referred to supervised probation by magistrates. The program’s objectives include deterring future criminal activity, providing an alternative to jail time and rehabilitation.

Previously, no one supervised people convicted of misdemeanors, making it difficult for prosecutors to hold them accountable for violations.