A spokesperson for the Contra Costa County Jail has said they are considering a measure which would allocate $4 million of their now $19 million annual prisoner realignment funding toward programs aimed at reducing recidivism rates.

The County Board of Supervisors has opened up a request for proposals (RFP).  The deadline to apply for a piece of the $4 million is fast approaching. They are hopeful to begin allocating the awards by June 1.  More than 400 former state inmates have been shifted to the county jail since the realignment took effect.  In addition to causing inmate overcrowding, it is also forcing jail officials to release certain lower level local offenders before their sentences have ended.  The focus on keeping people out of jail, they said, is needed.

The supervisors have said that there are a vast number of community-based service providers that could be eligible to receive funding.  Those who offer mental health services, housing subsidies, alcohol and drug treatment programs and job assistance are reportedly among those encouraged to apply.

Those close to the project have said that the money will be allocated based on the areas in which former detainees reside.  30 percent will be available to western portions of the county, 30 percent will be available for central portions of the county and the remaining 40 percent will be granted to fund programs based out of eastern Contra Costa County.

Additional information on the RFP process is available on the county's website.