St. Joseph Considering Diversion Program For Underage Drinkers

ST. JOSEPH - St. Joseph is considering joining other area cities like St. Cloud and Waite Park in dealing with underage drinking. The city council will vote tonight (Monday) on a diversion agreement with St. Cloud State University.

Police Chief Joel Klein says the program diverts some lower level alcohol offenses from the courtroom to the classroom.

The main goal of using the diversion program is to lower the rate of recidivism. According to St. Cloud State that appears to be working. They already use it quite a bit with their campus.

Klein says the College of St. Benedict and St. John's University are on board with the program.

There is a fee for the offender to take the diversion track, which is typically a little higher than if they paid a fine.