Alternative Jail Programs

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Programs Available to Eligible Participants:

Electronic Monitoring Program — (541) 682-2139

The Electronic Monitoring Program (EMP) is an alternative to being housed in the main jail. The program uses electronic transmitting and receiving devices and GPS technology to monitor the location of an Adult In Custody (AIC) at specified times.
This program allows sentenced offenders who are appropriate for this community based program, to serve their time at home while being monitored electronically through the use of various technologies, such as GPS ankle bracelets, alcohol monitoring, or a cell phone app. Individuals can then maintain family support, engage in treatment and continue employment while benefiting from the monitoring and supervision provided by the program.
The Electronic Monitoring Program provides support to the State Pretrial Services Office by providing electronic monitoring of individuals approved for release pending resolution of their criminal court case. This allows pre-trial individuals to maneuver through the criminal justice system while maintaining employment and support systems while being monitored to encourage compliance with release conditions.

Community Service Program — (541) 682-2257

The Community Service Program places sentenced offenders with various nonprofit and government agencies throughout Lane County. Offenders contribute their skills and labor instead of serving time in jail or paying fines. Community Service provides many of our clients the opportunity to learn job skills, obtain references and even secure employment.

Community Service contributes thousands of hours each year of voluntary labor and expertise to many non-profit and government agencies throughout the county. Over 200 agencies use Community Service offenders to prepare food boxes; support recycling programs; provide senior nutrition; and assist housing programs, libraries, local parks and many other programs in Lane County.

Sheriff's Work Crew — (541) 682-2117

The Sheriff's Work Crew program is an alternative to incarceration which is available to appropriate offenders who are sentenced to custody of the Sheriff for a short period of time or who are sentenced to do their time on weekends. Offenders are authorized by furlough from the Sheriff to return to their residence at the end of each day.

The Sheriff's Work Crew program is entirely self-funded. Work Crew participants are assigned to one of the various crews that work on projects paid for by local government and non-profit agencies. These projects include vegetation control, park and trail maintenance, and litter removal.

Alternative Programs for Offenders FAQ:

Why do we have alternative programs?

Alternative programs are a way to hold an Adult In Custody (AIC) accountable for their actions at a lesser expense than keeping them in jail. The Sheriff’s Work Crew and Electronic Monitoring Program's are self-funded. This means the programs come at no direct cost to the citizens of Lane County, and no money comes from the Lane County General Fund.

Who is eligible for alternative programs?

We evaluate every sentenced offender booked into the Lane County Adult Corrections Facility for suitability for alternative programs. Behavior, criminal history, sentence length, community support, and current charges are assessed to determine their eligibility.

Placement for pre-trial offenders is determined by the Pre-trial Release Office at the jail.

What is the Electronic Monitoring Program (EMP)?

Currently, the Sheriff’s Office uses two different types of monitoring equipment: Global Positioning System (GPS) and alcohol monitoring. The GPS system allows Sheriff's Office personnel to monitor the individual’s movements in the community and notifies staff when an inmate has entered into exclusion zones or has failed to return to their residence at set times. The alcohol monitoring equipment requires the individual to take random alcohol breath tests each day, taking a picture of the person while the test is being performed. The equipment used by the Sheriff’s Office utilizes cellular technology and landlines are not required in the residence.

What can people on EMP do? Are they restricted to their home?

Offenders on EMP are normally required to be employed at least 32 hours per week and/or engaged in an education program. In most cases, they are able to work and attend educational and treatment programs which encourage a productive law abiding lifestyle and contribute to the community. They are allowed to leave their home for specific, predetermined times.

How are defendants and offenders monitored while on EMP?

Defendants and offenders are monitored on a daily basis, both electronically using EMP equipment, and in person by deputies. Violations are reported immediately to staff via email. The email inbox is monitored 24-hours a day. Staff also conduct home and employment checks on a regular basis. Home checks are done to ensure the defendant/offender is following all program rules and that there are no drugs or alcohol in the home. Participants are also required to submit to regular drug and alcohol tests.

What do offenders do on Sheriff’s Work Crew?

Offenders on the Sheriff’s Work Crew do a variety of manual labor jobs for government agencies and non-profit organizations while under the supervision of a deputy sheriff. Per state law, offenders receive good time and work credit while on the Sheriff’s Work Crew. Lunch and beverages are provided to the inmate.

Can I do Sheriff’s Work Crew to work off my fines?

You will have to contact the sentencing court. This decision is not made by the Sheriff’s Office.