Aberdeen Community Court — the city’s problem-solving court implemented to reduce crime, recidivism, and jail costs — marked its fourth year of operation on Feb. 27.

There were 139 graduates as of that date, all of whom completed individualized action plans to address the root causes of their criminal behavior, said Aberdeen Municipal Court Judge Susan Solan.

“The program currently reduces recidivism (repeat offenses) by 85% and significantly reduces costs to victims and the city,” said Solan. “Aberdeen’s savings in jail costs and public defender costs alone total over $225,000. The total community value estimate is over $750,000.”

In addition to the considerable cost savings and the benefits from participants in what is sometimes called “therapeutic court” are actively giving back to the city, Solan said. Participants are required to perform community service or pay the monetary equivalent. To date, participants have performed 1,011 community service hours, valued at over $11,500.

“The Community Court program is thriving and continues to diligently reach out to individuals in the system who express a desire to change behavior but struggle to achieve this on their own,” said Solan. “During the public health crisis, the mission has not changed.”

Judicial Coordinator Joey Bannish of the Coastal Community Action Program (CCAP) continues to assist program participants and report to the court. He conducts weekly check-ins and engages in intensive case management, both of which optimize outcomes for the participants, said Solan. Telephonic conferences and social distancing have been implemented, as recommended by public health officials.

“Aberdeen Community Court is supported by a variety of local social service agencies that offer participants a wide array of services to address hunger, homelessness, unemployment, mental illness, substance use, and other needs,” said Solan. “Prior to the pandemic, these agencies staffed a services entry event for participants and the community at large on Thursdays from 1:30-3 p.m. at the CCAP building. However, due to the public health crisis, this event has been suspended until it is safe to restart. The court urges citizens in need to contact these agencies directly.”

Community Court is currently held on Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m. over Zoom. Citizens may call the court or consult the court’s website for further information, aberdeenwa.gov/236/Municipal-Court.