NBC Miami reported on an Alabama judge who has instituted a sentencing program offering non-violent offenders a choice: go to church or go to jail. The city judge of Bay Minette, Alabama created the program, called “Operation Restore Our Community,” in which misdemeanor offenders can attend church for a year, after which their case will be dismissed. The offender can choose from among more than 50 participating churches but must check in regularly with police and the pastor. Police chief Mike Rowland says the program “could change the lives of people heading down the wrong path,” said the NBC report.
