Aspiring Community Leaders Tour the Columbiana County Jail

West Caldwell, NJ May 13 -

Warden Gary Grimm believes that community activities at the Columbiana County Jail in Lisbon, Ohio are an important part of maintaining a connection to the local area. As a result, the jail makes a consistent effort to support local law enforcement and participate in civic activities. On May 6th, the Columbiana County Jail hosted several individuals from “Leadership Columbiana County,” that are interested in developing their leadership abilities and becoming agents for positive change throughout the community.

The twelve participants toured the jail with Warden Grimm and his staff and had the opportunity to participate in a mock video arraignment prepared by the local court in Columbiana County. Warden Grimm said that he was proud to host the organization for a second time and give community members a tour of the facility.

“We are pleased to provide the community with information on how the jail operates within the legal system,” said Warden Grimm. “By giving a tour and demonstrating the video arraignment process, community members understand the process of what happens between arrest and release.”

Members of the tour were enthusiastic about the information they received. A question and answer session was held after the tour and the “Leadership Columbiana County” group expressed appreciation for the useful information learned about their county jail, which proves services for 192 male and female offenders from the county.

“This is a great way to increase community awareness and show how government agencies of the courts, sheriff, jail and law enforcement work together.” said Warden Grimm.

“Leadership Columbiana County,” consists of individuals that are nominated to participate in the program by the companies they work for. Members participate one day a month for nine months and learn about county operations.

The Columbiana County Jail also held a Volunteer Appreciation Reception in late April that honored the eight volunteer groups that provide services at the jail including faith-based programming, education, drug and alcohol treatment and recovery support. In the past year, volunteers provided over 5,000 hours of service.

Other community service activities at the Columbiana County Jail include support for the Police K9 program, participation for a local veteran’s picnic and a cleanup at a local cemetery.

Community Education Centers, Inc. (CEC) is the leading provider of offender reentry and in-prison treatment services in America, operating in 17 states and the Commonwealth of Bermuda. CEC provides a full range of therapeutic residential and non-residential reentry services with a documented record of reducing recidivism.