Under the new sentencing laws, prison and jail will be reserved for violent and repeat offenders, while less-serious offenders will be directed to less-costly punishments in the community. The Partnership Act is designed to expand sentencing options by adding community-based sanctions for offenders receiving non-incarcerate sentences. In essence, the Partnership Act will financially assist individual counties or groups of counties in filling the gap between active, incarcerate sentences and community-based punishments.

Improving the criminal justice system in North Carolina is an objective for many, but to make this a reality will require state and county government to join forces and work together toward the solutions. The Criminal Justice Partnership Program is an opportunity to form coalitions that will respond to the criminal justice needs of our local communities and our state.