HIGH POINT – The High Point Police Department is ready to add another component to its violent crime reduction efforts.

During its regular meeting, the City Council on Tuesday will consider authorizing a contract between the city and America Works of North Carolina Inc., a company that provides job training to ex-offenders.

The council will be asked to adopt a budget amendment that would appropriate $100,000 for the project. Private funds account for $55,000 of the total, with city funds covering the remainder.

The company will work with police and the nonprofit High Point Community Against Violence in working with chronic offenders who drive the majority of violent crime.

Historically, officials have found that the weak link in an otherwise successful program that helps offenders transition out of a life of crime is finding them employment.

America Works will provide 33 chronic offenders with 40 hours of job training, job placement with local employers and retention services for 90 days.

America Works, which is based in New York, will track participation in supportive services referrals and job readiness, as well as employment in its own fully customizable data management system.

The council also is scheduled to receive an update from city staff on water distribution system issues related to the impact that the prolonged cold weather has had on the system. This includes water main breaks and increased turbidity that has created some problems with filters at the Ward Water Treatment Plant. The increase caused a violation of drinking water standards, according to the city.

Water that was not properly treated because of the high turbidity never entered the water distribution system and won’t reach anyone’s tap, officials said. The city is sending a notice to all its water customers about the violation and corrections that are being made.

The main breaks require more water to be treated to compensate for the loss, and the city asked last week that customers voluntarily reduce their water usage.

The meeting is scheduled for 4:45 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall, 211 S. Hamilton St.

pkimbrough@hpe.com | 888-3531