A new Community Accountability Board (CAB) initiative is set to launch in Auburn, aimed at providing an alternative sentencing option for nonviolent offenders. The program, which has been approved for funding by the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), will focus on individuals aged 18 to 25 who commit low-level offenses such as larceny and verbal mischief.

The CAB is designed to give the community a voice in the criminal justice process, allowing victims and community members to participate in discussions about reparative actions for offenders. Instead of traditional incarceration, the program emphasizes community service, restitution, and rehabilitation, with the goal of preventing recidivism.

The board will consist of six community members who live or work in Auburn, and will be overseen by a coordinator funded through the DCJS grant. The initiative will be piloted in Auburn City Court, with Judge Thurston agreeing to facilitate the program. Offenders referred to the CAB will work with board members to create a reparative agreement, which may include community service, vocational training, or educational support.

Participants in the program will have their cases adjourned in contemplation of dismissal if they successfully complete the requirements over a six-month period. This approach aims to address the root causes of criminal behavior and provide a more constructive path for offenders, rather than cycling through the traditional justice system.

The CAB initiative is part of a broader movement towards community justice, which seeks to engage local citizens in the rehabilitation process and enhance the overall safety and well-being of the community. If successful, there are plans to expand the program to other areas of the county. The program is expected to be operational by January, pending final approvals.