INGHAM COUNTY - “It sure beats going to jail for a weekend,” said Ingham County Sheriff Gene Wrigglesworth.

The Ingham County D.A.R.T. Program was started five years ago when the Sheriff got with the judges of the 55th district court and said ‘Instead of of sentencing them to jail can you sentence them to the D.A.R.T. Program.’

The program which is only operated on the weekends is an alternative sentence for non-violent criminals who commit minor offenses to pick up roadkill off of the roadway.

“We’re trying to come up with innovative ways to keep people out of jail that committed crimes of a minor nature. You might get a one or two day sentence on a Saturday or Sunday. They get a scoop and a shovel and scoop up dead whatever,” said Wrigglesworth.

The no cost program is volunteer operated through the Sheriff's Office.

“I think it’s successful, a little gas and a box lunch, these people don’t get a record this way, they’re not booked in the jail, so it’s a bonus for them,” he said.