Cass County Jail launching program aimed at education, reducing repeat offenders

FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) - Change is coming to the Cass County Jail soon and it’s aiming to both educate and better help inmates in hopes of increasing safety, lowering recidivism and reinvigorating the workforce.

The program is called R.E.I.G.N.I.T.E., which stands for residential, enhancement and individual growth naturally and intentionally through education.

“We hope to create opportunities for our incarcerated population to use their time constructively, and hopefully prepare them to reenter our community motivated and equipped to succeed,” Cass County Sheriff Jesse Jahner said.

Officials say in order to make the program successful, they need the community to step up and volunteer your time to bring your trade or specialty to the jail and teach inmates.

“We need teachers and trainers to step up with time to provide their expertise; whether it’s plumbers, electricians, truck drivers, welders, ag workers, you name it, we need it,” former Cass County Sheriff Paul Laney said.

Learn more about I.G.N.I.T.E. >>