Diversionary program’s goal: Change lives

Perhaps only later in life will successful participants in Dixon’s new diversionary program realize the immense favor the city did for them.

The program was approved by the Dixon City Council last week. Set to begin in a month or two, it will allow city police to charge some offenders, largely first-timers nabbed for underage drinking and possession of small amounts of marijuana, with ordinance violations rather than criminal misdemeanors.

If those offenders complete the program, the charges will not appear on their records and will not follow them the rest of their lives.

And each former offender will have a better chance at living a crime-free life and enjoying all its benefits.

One of those benefits is obtaining and keeping a good job.

Potential employers, after all, check criminal records. Sauk Valley Media recently interviewed four unemployed area residents. One told of difficulty landing employment because of past brushes with the law.

Prevent people from getting into trouble with the law, and their employability stays high.

The diversionary program, as envisioned by Dixon Police Chief Danny Langloss, may include a 4-hour class and community service.

All fees would have to be paid up front. The minimum fee will be $250, but those who choose the program may have to pay more.

The idea is to confront first-time offenders with the seriousness and the consequences of their actions and help them avoid the same offenses in the future.

“What we’re kicking around is having them have to stand up in front of the whole group and say, ‘I did this, and I was wrong, and I’m going to change, and these are the victims, and this is why I’m never going to do this again,’” Langloss said.

Other area communities and counties have developed programs to charge minor crimes as ordinance violations.

Also, certain offenders are put through programs that tackle the roots of their problems – juvenile offenders and drug users among them.

If Dixon’s diversionary program changes hearts and minds, it could rescue participants from committing future offenses.

Give deserving people a second chance. That’s the goal of the program. We credit Chief Langloss for promoting it, wish the city good luck in implementing it, and encourage participants to use it to improve their chances for a better life.