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The article also highlights the Midland County Sheriff's Office's Pathways to H.O.P.E. (Helping Offenders Pursue Excellence) program, a jail-based education and mentorship initiative that helps inmates identify the root causes of criminal behavior, develop life skills and build lasting support systems before and after their release. The program complements Drug Court and other rehabilitation efforts by preparing participants for successful reentry into the community.
"This recognition reflects the hard work and commitment of so many people across Midland County," Judge Elizabeth Rainey said. "Drug Court succeeds because judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, probation officers, law enforcement, treatment providers and community partners all share the same goal: helping people break the cycle of addiction while making our community safer."
The article notes that Midland County's Community Supervision and Corrections Department has increased its probation completion rate from 54% in 2016 to 77% in 2026, reflecting a growing emphasis on intervention, treatment and long-term success. It also highlights Drug Court's first five-year recidivism study, which found a 97 percent success rate among graduates, meaning participants had no new felony convictions and did not return to prison within five years of graduation.
Sheriff David Criner said the statewide recognition reflects Midland County's commitment to creating safer communities through both accountability and rehabilitation.
"We don't want people leaving our jail only to come back," Criner said. "Whether it's Drug Court, Pathways to H.O.P.E., or the partnerships we've built throughout the criminal justice system, the goal is to help people become productive members of our community. That's a win for law enforcement, it's a win for families, and it's a win for Midland County."
The cover story appears in the Summer 2026 edition of County magazine, the official publication of the Texas Association of Counties, and showcases Midland County's innovative, collaborative approach to helping individuals rebuild their lives while strengthening public safety for the entire community.
The full article and companion video are available through the Texas Association of Counties.
Contact:
Samuel Eaton
Public Information Officer
publicinfo@mcounty.com
432-688-4314
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