WEST OLIVE, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office SWAP crew is made up of inmates from the Ottawa County jail who are working in local communities.
SWAP is short for Sentenced Work Abatement Program. The Sheriff’s Office wants residents who see these crews working in their communities to know that they can rest assured that these workers are not a threat to safety. Inmates participating in SWAP must meet a list of criteria.
Participants:
- must be non-violent offenders
- may not have outstanding warrants with other jurisdictions
- may not have criminal sexual conduct convictions
- may not have any history of escape or walk away attempts
- will be removed from SWAP if their conduct is unsatisfactory or inappropriate
SWAP benefits the community by offering a low-cost labor to local governments and non-profit organizations.
SWAP crews of five to eight inmates are supervised by corrections deputies. The SWAP crew is sent to complete various tasks for cities and townships including:
- Lawn care and basic landscaping
- Public restroom maintenance
- Litter and trash pick-up
- Snow removal
- Heavy lifting for community events and festivals
In return for their work on the SWAP crews, inmates receive discounted rates for room and board and may receive reduced sentences. SWAP also gives inmates a sense of purpose while keeping them active.
