In 2004, Gallatin County Court Services was created from three existing departments, Pretrial Services, Community Corrections and Treatment Court to conjointly assist the criminal justice system in both the pre-trial and post-adjudication phases of criminal cases. All three programs focus on decreasing the jail population, allowing many offenders the opportunity to lead normal lives within the conditions set by the courts, address alcohol and drug problems and provide the venue to serve the community within the larger concept of restorative justice. Court Services’ alternatives provide the courts an array of options with regard to bail conditions, alcohol and drug testing and sentencing options.
In October of 2005, Electronic Monitoring was added to Court Services to expand the Department’s scope of services in both pre- and post-adjudication court mandates. Offenders are strictly supervised within their pre-arranged boundaries by an electronic ankle transmitter and a home monitor. Violations are immediately sent to the prosecutor and the court of jurisdiction.
In October of 2006, a Misdemeanor Probation officer will be in place to ensure that offenders follow the sentencing requirements imposed by Justice Court, Bozeman Municipal Court and Belgrade City Court.
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