Federal Way Municipal Court is expected to offer criminal offenders an alternative to jail.
The court is renewing its contract with Providence Community Corrections for misdemeanor probation services. Under the new contract, the court and Providence plan to pursue “day reporting.”
Day reporting is a method of punishment for low level crimes, Federal Way Municipal Court Judge Dave Larson said. It’s an alternative to going to jail. The method is used by other jurisdictions in the state, but ranges in form.
“We’re kind of behind the curve on day reporting,” Larson said.
Beginning April 1, misdemeanants offered the chance to participate in day reporting will pay $10. They will report to Providence’s lobby and spend the day sitting there, under monitoring by Providence staff.
Day reporting will be offered to a select few misdemeanants. It works best for individuals who have committed crimes such as theft or criminal trespass, or are found in possession of marijuana, Larson said. The probation method is not used for violent criminals and likely would not be an option for DUI or domestic violence offenders, he said. Judges will decide who qualifies for the program on a case-by-case basis, Larson said.
City council member Jack Dovey questioned the goal of Federal Way Municipal Court’s proposed day reporting. He likened the program to ordering criminals to a “time out.”
“To me, it seems pretty Pollyanna,” Dovey said.
Eventually, the court hopes to grow the probation alternative, Larson said. A consumer awareness class is first on the agenda for incorporation with day reporting in Federal Way, he said. Persons found guilty of theft are often sentenced to attend these classes, he said. Later, more classes are hoped for, Larson said. He is unsure how long it will take to fully implement a day reporting program that incorporates services to meet misdemeanants’ needs.
The program is not intended as the sole probation method, but one of many choices, Larson said. Another alternative to jail is electronic monitoring. This costs the misdemeanant $12 per day to participate. Many criminals that come through Federal Way Municipal Court decline electronic monitoring because they cannot afford it, Larson said at a March 23 Finance, Economic Development and Regional Affairs city council subcommittee meeting. These offenders are then placed in jail, which costs the city $60 to $100 plus per night, Larson said. Day reporting may be an option for those whose sentence does not allow for electronic monitoring.
“If (day reporting is) never used, it doesn’t cost the city any money,” he said. “If it’s used and used effectively, it’s saving the city significant money.”
The court is working to negotiate with the Department of Corrections to form a work crew program as another probation alternative, Larson said. The court is also taking steps to offer a structured community service probation program, he said.
“Each of these programs is going to grow over time and ultimately save (the city) money on jail expenses,” Larson said.
