The Rock County Crime Prevention Fund transforms offenders into community investments in community investments

Janesville, Wisconsin (WMTV) – Rock County starts new efforts to combat crimes – not only by enlarging the presence of law enforcement, but by investing in prevention and early intervention programs.

The Rock County Board of Supervisors approved a proposal by the district prosecutor Jason Sanders to found a crime prevention fund, an initiative that was made possible by a law of Wisconsin from 2015, with the districts a surcharge of $ 20 from criminal convictions to finance local anti-crime initiatives.

“I thought that this was a good idea since I heard about it,” said district prosecutor Sanders. “You have put the surcharge of 20 US dollars on the court costs, the money in a large pool. And then you can distribute this money to support programs every year that prevent future crime.”

The fund, which does not cost taxpayers, enables law enforcement agencies and municipal groups to apply for grants. These subsidies could be used for a number of efforts -everything from youth programs and criminal police apps to Community Outreach events that are intended to build stronger connections between the police and the public.

“One thing I have always asked myself is what more can be done if I only think about how we can proactively keep people from getting to me,” said Sanders. “If you build a better community, you prevent future crimes. And every time you combat crimes, you build up a better community. It is a symbiotic relationship. And hopefully this can be a step to get people to speak and think and live so.”

While Sanders sees the new fund as a positive step, he emphasizes that it is only part of a wider effort. He sees the fund as a long-term investment in the community-one, which promotes cooperation between law enforcement authorities and residents.

“This is a modest fund, but its effects could be enormous,” continued Sanders. “If we concentrate on building a better community, we can prevent crimes before it ever begins. And every time we fight the crime, we build up a stronger, more resistant community at the same time.”

The funds are expected to generate between 15,000 and 25,000 US dollars each year. With the creation of the financing committee for crime prevention, the first round of the subsidies is awarded in 2026.

“I am optimistic that we can look back in a decade and see fewer victims of crime, stronger connections between the police and the communities that they serve, and a rock county that is safer for everyone,” concluded Sanders. “We hope that this is only the beginning of a broader conversation about the contraception of crime.”

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