News & Updates

Missoula County Attorney’s Office earns national achievement award for Innovative Criminal Justice and Public Safety program: “Calibrate—Missoula’s Prosecution-led Pretrial Diversion Program”

WASHINGTON – Missoula County Attorney’s Office has again been recognized with an Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The award honors innovative, effective county government programs that enhance services for residents.

NACo recognized “Calibrate—Missoula’s Prosecution-led Pretrial Diversion” in the category of Criminal Justice and Public Safety as an innovative new program, worthy of sharing with other counties.

The Missoula County Attorney’s Office created and implemented the groundbreaking program as part of its Smart on Crime commitment to meaningful criminal justice reforms.

“We are deeply honored that NACo recognized the value of Calibrate to divert first time, non-dangerous offenders off of the criminal justice track,” said Missoula County Attorney, Kirsten Pabst. “The program has been hugely successful and has resulted in cross-systems costs savings.”

Calibrate Coordinator Ray Reiser said, “Our program provides some individuals facing criminal charges with the opportunity to address the root causes of why they are in trouble. When a diversion participant completes an individualized treatment plan, the collateral consequences of a conviction are avoided, and fewer people are put into our corrections and criminal court systems. It’s a win-win-win.”

NACo President Gary Moore said, “Over the past year, county officials and frontline employees have demonstrated bold, inspirational leadership. This year’s Achievement Award-winning programs illustrate the innovative ways counties build healthy, safe and vibrant communities across America.”

In 2017, the Missoula County Attorney’s Office received two national awards for its innovative work in addressing Secondary Trauma and Organizational Resilience in prosecution.

Started in 1970, NACo’s annual Achievement Awards program is designed to recognize county government innovations. NACo will recognize the Missoula County Attorney’s Office at its 2021 Annual Conference and Exposition held July 11, 2021.

The National Association of Counties (NACo) strengthens America’s counties, including nearly 40,000 county elected officials and 3.6 million county employees. Founded in 1935, NACo unites county officials to advocate for county government priorities in federal policymaking; promote exemplary county policies and practices; nurture leadership skills and expand knowledge networks; optimize county and taxpayer resources and cost savings; and enrich the public’s understanding of county government. www.naco.org