Judges in the Jefferson County court system are increasingly utilizing an alternative sentencing system, one that’s good for the area as a whole — and for those who have violated the law.

Those offenders who qualify to participate in the county’s community service program benefit — it provides them with a way to pay the price for their misdeeds, maybe learn life skills and avoid jail — as do the local nonprofits and other organizations that need help with tasks including painting, pulling weeds, washing windows, cleaning facilities and collecting litter from the side of area roads.

They also can help at food pantries, donate at blood drives and help with clean-ups at local cemeteries.

The program, according to Wintersville county court Judge Michael Bednar, is a good middle ground for people who have committed a crime that deserves more punishment than a fine, but less than jail time.

Not everyone can qualify — the program is reserved for those who have committed nonviolent, low-level crimes and low-level misdemeanors with traffic charges. Those who have been convicted of some assault charges also can participate in the program, but they, according to Bednar, are not sent to schools or similar facilities.

Participation also can be part of the probation process, a tool that is used along with drug and mental health counseling.

Work is supervised by the county’s probation officers, who are able to transport those who need rides in a van that recently was purchased by the county commissioners.

While the judges — including Bednar, Toronto county court Judge Lisa Ferguson and Dillonvale county court Judge Michael Scarpone — can look at community service as an alternative, the system can’t work without the cooperation and the support of the charitable organizations, mayors and township trustees who are willing to participate with the program.

Those who are assigned to the program also have helped with the Ohio River Sweep, Thunder in the Ville, Adena Heritage Days and the Jefferson County Fair. That work helps cash-strapped communities and nonprofits, Scarpone said.

Results show community service programs work. Earlier this year, Steubenville Municipal Judge John Mascio Jr. reported that in 2022, 95 offenders worked more than 2,100 hours while participating in his court’s community service program, cleaning lots, working at the marina and providing janitorial service at City Hall.

The county’s probation officers say the program teaches responsibility and the importance of being a member of the community, and, according to Ferguson, it reinforces the importance of accountability.

It’s a viable alternative to probation or in those instances where, in the past, those who have not been able to pay fines and court costs are able to help in their community, rather than have to spend time in jail. That frees cell space up for more violent offenders and saves the taxpayers of the county money in the process.

And that’s the goal of alternative sentencing programs — to make offenders know they are responsible for their actions.

It’s a system area judges have embraced, one that plays a vital role in the rehabilitation process while making a difference in the communities they live in.