(CENTREVILLE) - A new program has started at the St. Joseph County Jail.
On Thursday the St. Joseph Coujty Sheriff's Office officially launched I.G.N.I.T.E, or Inmate Growth Naturally and Intentionally Through Education.
I.G.N.I.T.E. will build on educational and other programming already offered at the jail. It will give inmates who choose to participate an opportunity to work on education, job skills, personal responsibility and other areas that can better prepare them for their return to the community.
Sheriff Chad Spence says the program does not change the Sheriff's Office's commitment to enforcing the law, protecting the public and holding people accountable for their actions.
St. Joseph County Jail Administrator Captain Troy Faulk says getting the I.G.N.I.T.E. program started wasn't easy. Faulk says a program like this is sometimes difficult for fellow staff to understand. Many time it's looked at with a lot of skepticism. Faulk says when he was brought in by Sheriff Spence he said that everyone coming into the jail no matter who they are, they would be treated with dignity and respect. (LISTEN ABOVE)
I.G.N.I.T.E. uses a merit-based approach that requires participants to put forth the effort and take responsibility for their progress. The Sheriff's Office is already working with Michigan Works! and Glen Oaks Community College to provide education, employment resources and other opportunities for participants.
As the program grows, the Sheriff's Office hopes to work with additional local businesses, educators, skilled trades, organizations and volunteers who can bring useful resources and opportunities into the jail.