Online

• Register here for your day of Sentencing-to-Service (STS). Please have your Hennepin County case number available when registering for your day of STS.
• If you do not have an email account or need assistance, please call 612-596-9220.

Email

• Please email adultsts@hennepin.us with adult STS registration problems or questions.
• Emails will be responded to between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Program expectations

If ordered by the court to perform community service, there are rules that you will be expected to follow when assigned to a Sentencing-to-Service work crew. Violating any rule(s) may result in loss of credit for the work day or possible termination from the program.

• Your crew leader will guide you throughout the day in various job tasks.
• You are expected to fully participate as a worker in the program and satisfactorily complete the tasks that are assigned to you by the crew leader.
• If you are hurt or injured you must report the information to your crew leader immediately.
• Seat belt use in the STS van is mandatory.
• You are expected to respect all crew members and Sentencing to Service staff throughout the work day.
• Please bring a lunch each day. Crew leaders do not stop at convenience stores or fast food restaurants for breaks or meals.

While working on crew

• No cell phone or text messaging permitted. Please leave all electronic devices at home.
• No smoking.
• Profanity and/or language that may be deemed offensive will not be tolerated.
• No contact with individuals not on the work crew without your crew leader's approval.
• Leaving the job site is strictly forbidden.
• No unauthorized breaks.
• Behavior that may be deemed intimidating, harassing or unwelcome will not be tolerated.
• Use of or possession of drugs or alcohol is strictly prohibited.
• Possession of weapons or firearms is strictly prohibited.

Pick-up sites

All Sentencing-to-Service work must be scheduled. To schedule a day of STS, visit the online scheduler webpage or call 612-596-9220 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through-Friday.

Sentencing to Service vans are marked with the Hennepin County and program logos displayed on their sides.

If you do not have transportation, several bus routes run either directly to or very near our pick-up sites. For more information, visit Metro Transit online or call 612-373-3333.

Holidays

Sentencing to Service does not do work on most holidays. If you are unsure what days we may not be working, please call us at 612-596-9220.

For more information on the adult STS program print the STS handbook (PDF).

Juveniles ordered by the court to complete community service will be supervised by Sentencing To Service crew leaders. Crews work primarily outdoors in all weather conditions, but also complete some tasks indoors for various non-profit agencies.

Program expectations

There are rules that you will be expected to follow when assigned to a Sentencing to Service work crew. Individuals are expected to work safely and conduct themselves in a manner consistent with socially acceptable behavior. This means preserving the dignity and respect of self and others. Individuals who fail to follow these rules may face disciplinary sanctions.

• Report to pick-up sites promptly at your scheduled time.
• Dress appropriately for working outdoors. If the crew leader believes you are dressed inappropriately, you will be sent home and given an unexcused absence.
  • Hard-soled shoes or tennis shoes are required
  • Wearing old clothing is strongly recommended
  • Shorts, halter-tops, and sandals are not appropriate
  • If it is raining, rain gear is recommended
  • During cold weather, layered clothing is recommended
• Do not bring items such as cell phones, pagers, MP3 players, iPods, weapons, cigarettes, lighters, pens and pencils. These items are not permitted and will be confiscated.
• Bring a bag lunch and beverages from home. Sentencing to Service vans do not stop at convenience stores or restaurants for meals.
• Bathroom facilities will be available during breaks.
• No smoking.
• Injuries must be reported immediately to the crew leader.
• Disrespect for anyone will not be tolerated. Discipline for such behavior will result in an unexcused absence.

Failure to complete Sentencing to Service may result in the issuance of a warrant for your arrest.

Safety

Safety is a priority for all Sentencing to Service crews. All injuries, no matter how minor, must be reported immediately to a crew leader. Crew participants will receive instructions on how to safely and appropriately use tools and other equipment required of the job. Equipment needing repair must be reported to your crew leader.

Discipline

The court has ordered your participation in the Sentencing to Service program. Crew leaders are authorized to administer disciplinary measures when warranted. Discipline may include verbal reprimands, a written reprimand to your probation officer and/or the court, loss of work hours, removal or dismissal from the program and being returned to the pick-up site.

Pick-up sites

Vans arrive at the pick-up sites 10 minutes prior to pick-up times noted below and depart promptly at five minutes past the hour.

If you do not have transportation, several bus routes run either directly to or very near our pick-up sites. For more information, go to the Metro Transit website at www.metrotransit.org or call 612-373-3333.

Holidays

Sentencing to Service does not do work on most holidays. If you are unsure what days we may not be working, please call us at 612-596-9250.

If your organization has work that may be done by a Sentencing to Service work crew, complete the project proposal form and fax to 612-321-3429.

• Sentencing to Service project proposal (DOC)

Benefits of hiring a Sentencing to Service crew

Experienced crews efficiently and safely provide a wide range of services, including:

• Painting
• Landscaping and lawn care
• Public park and trail maintenance
• Playground equipment assembly
• Graffiti and litter removal
• Tree planting, pruning and trimming
• Firewood production
• Removal of buckthorn and other non-native invasive species
• Janitorial services
• Sandbagging and storm debris cleanup
• Special event setup and tear down
• Ice arena maintenance
• Snow removal

“The quality of work has been excellent, and the value to our organization is nearly immeasurable.”

— Volunteer Development Coordinator
Arc’s Value Village

Safe, efficient, cost-effective

Offenders are carefully screened prior to assignment to a Sentencing to Service work crew. Professional crew leaders — many with degrees in landscaping, gardening and forestry — maintain a safe work environment and hold offenders accountable as they fulfill court-ordered obligations.

The Sentencing to Service program:

• Delivers job-specific training
• Issues tools and safety equipment
• Transports workers to and from job sites
• Assumes medical liability for program participants
• Provides competitive prices. The average fee is $336 a day for a crew of 10 to 11 people, and some services are provided free of charge

How do I schedule or cancel a scheduled day of STS?

Go to the Sentencing-to-Service registration website and enter your case number and birth date.

If you need to reschedule, cancel your current registration, then register for a session that works better for your schedule.

What if I forget my username or password after registering?

If you forget your username, please contact the Hennepin County help desk at 612-348-6662, Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.

If you forget your password, please click on the “Trouble Logging In” icon located on the registration main page.

• You will need to know your username and the answer to the security question to reset the password.
• You do not need a password to view the Sentencing-to-Service webpage.

What do I need to know about attending my scheduled day?

You need to know:

• Arrive on time. If you are late, you will need to reschedule.
• Bring a photo ID, bag lunch and bottle of water.
• You will be working outside, so dress for the weather.
• Wear long pants, a shirt with sleeves and closed-toe shoes.
• Do not bring valuables, such as phones wallets or purses.

Will I be reminded to attend my scheduled day of STS?

A conformation email and text will be sent to you after you successfully register online for a day of STS.

What if I fail to attend my scheduled day of STS?

Your day of STS will be recorded as unexcused and you will not be credited with a completed day of STS. If you fail to complete your STS requirement by your court ordered due date, a violation will be issued.

Can I purchase meals of snacks during my scheduled work day?

Meals and snacks are not provided. There will not be an opportunity to purchase meals or snacks during your work day. Crews will be given a lunch break to eat the lunch they brought with them.

Are other breaks, besides lunch, given to crew members during the work day?

Yes. Breaks are given as needed throughout the day.

Could my scheduled day of STS be cancelled due to inclement weather?

Days of STS are not cancelled due to severe weather. If you are unable to make it to the pickup site safely, cancel your day of STS and reschedule for another day.

How can I receive verification that I completed my court ordered STS requirement?

The STS program will automatically notify the court or hearing office of your completion. If you want to obtain a copy for your records, bring a photo ID to the Community Offender Management office located at 3000 2^nd Street North, Minneapolis, MN 55417 between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.