Broome County launches a diversion program to fill job openings, while working to reduce crime and incarceration rates.

"There are people who could be given a choice," says County Executive Jason Garnar, "Do you want to go to jail for a few weeks or do you want to enter this job training program and get your life turned around?"

That option will be offered through the Workforce Diversion Program to people arrested in Broome County on misdemeanor and low level felony charges, either reducing or dismissing those charges in exchange for attending job training and placement programs. That will be decided on a case by case basis by the District Attorney's Office. Anyone arrested for violent felonies or sex crimes will not be eligible.

"The goal is to make it so that people don't re-offend," says District Attorney Steve Cornwell.

Cornwell says statistics prove employment keeps people from a life of crime. This program will also be offered to individuals who have not yet been arrested, but could be considered at risk. It's a preventative measure to try and get ahead of the curve and lower crime rates.

"It becomes clear that if you're working and a productive member of society, you're a lot less likely to be prosecuted for a crime in Broome County. The statistics bear that out," says Cornwell.

Garnar says there are around 4,000 job openings in the area right now, 1,600 of which don't require a college degree. Those are the positions this program is trying to fill.

The DA's office is partnering with Broome-Tioga Workforce and Cornell Cooperative Extension who will offer the training. Representatives from both organizations say not only will they help individuals gain the skills and tools needed to land a job interview, but also work with them on long-term plans to keep the position.

"We consider ourselves the boots on the ground for this project," says Victoria Giarratano, Executive Director of the Broome Cornell Cooperative Extension.

Officials say the program addresses several issues: Helping individuals get back on track, reducing crime and incarceration rates, while also filling needed job positions and boosting the local economy.

"We'd rather have people on the tax roles certainly contributing then being dependent," says Cornwell.

Cornwell says applying is as simple as calling the DA's office to see if you qualify. He says he's also getting the word out to defense attorneys so they can advise their clients about this option.