Nearly a dozen inmates at the Butler County Prison were celebrated yesterday as the first class of graduates through an internal improvement program.
Last year, the prison started the program IGNITE, which stands for Inmate Growth Naturally and Intentionally Through Education.
The program aims to improve recidivism rates according to Sheriff Mike Slupe.
“I hope this program succeeds through its stated goals, which is to teach these inmates something they haven’t been taught before,” Slupe said. “Their willingness to learn will hopefully bring that out into our community and make our community safer.”
Slupe said he got the idea of the program last year at the National Sheriffs’ Association annual conference.
“Most of the programs are the best they can be at the time. The National Sheriffs’ got this from a sheriff in Michigan, who thought this what we need to do to help our inmates not come back to the jail and help be an impactful member in our community,” Slupe said.
Butler County Prison Warden Beau Sneddon was amazed by the results.
“What makes the program different is we’re trying new things,” Sneddon said. “This has to change based on the individuals that are in the program.”
Inmates focused on therapy programs, coping skills, education on drugs and alcohol, and other classes.
Sneddon hopes to start the next IGNITE class soon.
“These guys are going to stay on and help mentor the next group of people that are coming through. Their feedback is critical to what we’re offering.”
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