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Community Corrections

Administrator: Beth Dodge

The Cass County Community Corrections Advisory Board was created in partnership with the State in an effort to reduce prison commitments and improve jail utilization safely, humanely and efficiently. CCAB programs are the result of data-informed policy-driven community corrections partnerships. Our county board consists of the following members:

Circuit Court Judge: Michael E. Dodge

Probate Court / Family Court Judge: Susan L. Dobrich

District Court Judge: Hon. Stacey Rentfrow

Dowagiac City Public Safety Director: Tom Atkinson

Cass County Sheriff: Joseph M. Underwood Jr.

Commissioner Representative: Mr. Bill Steele

Community Representative: Ms. Dianna McGrew

Business Representative: Mr. John Gore

Dept. of Corrections Representative: Mr. Tom Koenig

Service Provider Representative: Mr. Steve Lehman

Defense Attorney Representative: Atty. Jim Miller

Media Representative: Ms. Dee Bourdon

Because programs offered in our county are data-driven, they are based upon statistics gathered and analyzed by CCAB staff. This involves tracking sentencing practices in our courts and monitoring jail population information. This information is used to design programs to serve offenders' needs while maintaining public safety. Program options are then used as alternatives to incarceration, or as a means for an offender to earn early release from jail in exchange for successful participation.

Programs offered to Cass County offenders include GED/High School Diploma preparation, Substance Abuse treatment, Work Release (for employed individuals), Community Service, and Electronic Monitoring (house arrest/tether). Eligibility for these programs is determined by CCAB policy and is administered by the Case Manager. Offenders placed on probation by the Court may also qualify for placement in a residential program as an alternative to jail. Criteria for placement include sentence guideline scores, nature of the current offense, treatment needs and length of sentence.

If you have any questions or would like further information about Community Corrections in Cass County please contact our office at (269) 445-1212.