Program instituted to help shoplifters
By Terry Murry on Tuesday, November 16th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
COLLEGE PLACE – A new program has been implemented by the city of College Place at reducing shoplifting, especially at Walmart, by directing offenders to Blue Mountain Health Cooperative in Walla Walla for an opportunity to have their charges dropped.
College Place City Attorney Rea Culwell says once a city case is charged the defendant is assigned a defense attorney and then she evaluates the case. In her evaluation, Culwell takes a close look to see if there is a history of theft, violent criminal history, how many priors, any jail time imposed/served, did the defendant reoffend despite being provided other opportunities to avoid a conviction or being provided rehabilitative services and are there also drug charges that may explain the thefts.
“Based on the person’s criminal history, the specifics of the case, and any information from the defense attorney, I refer the defendant to the program,” Culwell said. “Being a repeat offender does not automatically disqualify the person from the program.”
Shoplifters who believe they might benefit from the program are directed to Blue Mountain Health Cooperative for an opportunity to have their charges dropped. Offenders who arrive are interviewed by a clinician and can take an online course from the state. The program helps shoplifters by providing food, shelter, job counseling, hygiene products and other necessities.
“The first referral was about two months ago and since then we have had four more referrals,” Culwell said. “The first referral did not engage with BMHC, so it is no longer available to that person. The remaining we will know within the next few months as to whether they engaged.”
Culwell said the city asked Walmart to be a partner in the program and they agreed to fully fund the first 10 people through the program by providing a $2,000 grant. The cost for the assessment is about $200 per client. Participants will be checked on at the six-, 12- and 24-month mark by Culwell to see if they have reoffended.
