Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen announced Tuesday a $1.5 million grant was awarded for the establishment of pre-trial programs for nonviolent drug offenders to reduce second-time offenses.
Van Hollen said in a statement 12 counties and one Indian tribe were awarded the funding to form programs proven to decrease reconviction rates and increase public safety.
The Treatment Alternatives and Diversion programs help save an average of $1.93 per one dollar invested. Three years after graduation from the TAD program, 81 percent of participants had no new convictions, and 97 percent stayed out of state prison.
A 15-member peer review panel awarded the grants, with 36 applicants submitting proposals.
The programs have been proven to reduce second-time offenders and are an efficient use of taxpayer dollars, according to Van Hollen.
“I’m pleased I was able to work with lawmakers to improve public safety in this manner,” Van Hollen said.
