Community Service
As an instrument of Justice, Community Service helps an offender restore his or her standing in the community. By allowing an individual to make positive connections, the offender will become a productive member of society. Community service provides a cost-effective way of dealing with non-violent, low-risk offenders. This reduces jail costs while providing needed services to community non-profit organizations. Community Service also provides tangible results for Genesee County. In 2023, 189 defendants successfully completed 3,875 hours of work at non-profit organizations, a savings of $55,025. According to New York State law, a judge may sentence an offender to perform unpaid community service as a condition of probation, or as a requirement of a conditional discharge.
An individual is referred to Genesee Justice by a Town/City/Village/County Court. An interview is conducted to verify medical and legal history. The individual is then placed at an appropriate agency. The assigned agency supervisor notifies Genesee Justice when the community service obligation is completed or if there are any problems. Genesee Justice notifies the referring Court of the individual’s progress or completion.
The Benefits of Community Service
Offender Benefits:
- Allows offenders to keep family ties and still earn a living.
- Offers a non-monetary means for those unable to pay fines or penalties.
- Offenders gain work experience, skills and training which may be unavailable by normal means.
- Aids the offenders in developing a positive work ethic, self-confidence and interpersonal skills.
Public Benefits:
- Saves taxpayers money by reducing jail costs.
- Provides needed services to the community.
- Makes services available to communities and citizens.