The city of Kent received a Municipal Excellence Award from the Association of Washington Cities for its DUI Court.
Kent has been successfully reducing incarceration rates and recidivism among its highest-risk, repeat DUI offenders through its Municipal DUI Court, according to a news release from the Association of Washington Cities. This innovative program provides an alternative path to lengthy jail time for re-offenders by focusing on substance-abuse treatment and accountability.
Participants spend at least two years in the program, which includes frequent court appearances, random drug/alcohol testing, treatment, support groups and community service. The program is saving the city significant incarceration costs while improving community safety.
City leaders from 148 cities and towns across Washington convened in Spokane in June for the Association of Washington Cities Annual Conference. During the conference, the group honored five cities with a Municipal Excellence Award. Thirty-three cities applied for the honor.
“This year’s winners applied innovative solutions to issues in their communities,” said Peter B. King, CEO of the association. “Their efforts have improved lives in their communities and serve as inspiration for civic leaders throughout the state.”
Lakewood, Olympia, Selah and Pasco also received the award.
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