Ripley Co. Jail Implements Program Room to Help Reduce Recidivism Rate Among Inmates

Several programs are being offered to inmates as an opportunity to better themselves during their sentence.

Left: you see demolition of the old visitation barrier in the “PROGRAMS ROOM”. The next photo is the remodeled room being utilized for HS/GED classes for the inmates. Photos provided. 

(Versailles, Ind.) – Inmates of the Ripley County Jail are now being offered multiple programs to help reduce recidivism rates after leaving jail.

Sheriff Rob Bradley tells Eagle Country 99.3 that inmates are being offered real opportunities to address challenges and barriers while serving their executed sentence through the use of a Jail Programs Room. 

The room is used for programs such AA, Peer-to-Peer, GED/HSE, Skill Based Groups, and Faith Based Support Groups.

Sheriff Bradely explains the new Jail Programs Room was developed as a result of the collaborative work shared among various Ripley County Stakeholders who serve on the Ripley County Local Justice Reinvestment Advisory Council, which is co-chaired by Ripley County Circuit Judge Ryan King and Ripley Superior Court Judge Jeff Sharp.

“I believe, and the research overwhelmingly supports it, individuals have a much greater chance of success outside of the jail if they are provided an opportunity to better themselves while inside the jail,” said Sheriff Bradley.

The Jail Programs Room has received financial support from the Rising Sun Regional Foundation and Ripley County Tax Funds and ongoing programming support from River Valley Resources/Work One.

In order to make room for the Jail Programs Room, the visitation room glass/steel wall was removed and upgraded to the programs room. Sheriff Bradley said the visitation room was no longer being fully utilized, as in-person visits have been replaced with visitation over the internet or through an onsite kiosk.