Second Chance Program Offers Alternative for Alcohol Arrests
Contact: Ted Jones, (740) 593-1911
ATHENS, Ohio (October 5, 2000) -- Participants are making the most of their opportunity in the Second Chance diversion program for people arrested for intoxication in the Ohio University and Athens area. The program, which is administered by the Ohio University Police Department and Athens Police Department, allows individuals who are arrested for alcohol-related offenses to enroll in the educational program instead of going through the criminal court system.
Those who successfully complete the program and are not again arrested for intoxication within six months will have their charges dismissed.
Of the 95 individuals who participated in the program from Jan. 1, 1999, through June 1, 2000, 92 completed the program, and only three were re-arrested on similar charges within six months. "The bulk of the Second Chance participants are underage," Ohio University Director of Campus Safety Ted Jones said. "Since we're dealing with young people, we have to view their conduct as inappropriate behavior that violates the law, and not as strictly unlawful behavior. These are largely young people who are experimenting with life and who will make some bad decisions. We're looking to reduce the likelihood of a recurrence of the behavior."
A major bonus of the program is the opportunity to have the charge overlooked.
"For college students, making one mistake can haunt them for the rest of their lives," Second Chance Coordinator Kalle Hughes said. "Every time they fill out a job application, they'll be asked if they've ever been convicted. This program gives them a chance to correct a mistake without it being held against them."
The program includes three elements:
- Alcohol and substance abuse counseling conducted by the Ohio University Department of Health Education and Wellness or a private counseling firm;
- Information and education, including the opportunity to talk with a law enforcement officer about the need for the arrest and the concerns caused by inappropriate behavior;
- Community service to allow the person to help someone else and not feel punished.
Arrested individuals who have not previously been in the program have three business days from the day of the arrest to register for the program by calling (740) 597-1717 and 30 days to complete the program.
