Tarrant County SWIFT Program | Tarrant County SWIFT Probation

What is the Tarrant County SWIFT Program?

The Tarrant County SWIFT Program (Supervision With Intensive enForcemenT) is a specialized, post-plea intensive probation initiative designed for high-risk, high-need offenders. It provides participants with a structured opportunity to reform their behavior while enforcing immediate consequences for probation violations. Overseen by State District Judge Mollee Westfall, the program aims to encourage compliance through swift and consistent sanctions.

Unlike traditional probation, where minor violations may go unaddressed for weeks or even months, SWIFT employs a progressive sanction model to address violations immediately. For example, a participant’s first failed drug test might result in a weekend jail stay. A second failed test could lead to a week-long incarceration. These consequences are typically imposed the day after a violation is reported, ensuring timely accountability and reinforcing the importance of compliance.

Judge Westfall emphasizes honesty within the program. SWIFT participants are reminded that lying about a violation often carries harsher penalties than truthfully admitting to it. Many participants report that the program’s immediate response and strict standards deterred them from violating probation conditions, knowing they would be caught and sanctioned.

For probationers who commit new offenses, the consequences are severe—often resulting in revocation and a prison sentence. SWIFT’s ultimate goal is to reduce recidivism by implementing rapid, meaningful sanctions for even minor violations, preventing escalation to more serious offenses.

How Successful is the Tarrant County SWIFT Program?

National research on programs like SWIFT has demonstrated significant success, with participants being half as likely to have their probation revoked or commit new crimes compared to traditional probation models. Tarrant County’s SWIFT program reflects these findings, showcasing numerous success stories where participants have turned their lives around and avoided prison.

Key Benefits of the SWIFT Program

• Reduced Recidivism: Immediate and consistent consequences foster accountability and discourage further violations.
• Cost Savings: Diverting high-risk offenders from prison saves taxpayers significant expenses.
• Positive Outcomes: Many participants successfully complete the program, making meaningful changes in their lives and staying out of the criminal justice system.

Is the SWIFT Program Right for You?

The SWIFT program is rigorous and not suited for everyone. However, for individuals who are ready to make significant changes and avoid incarceration for a felony offense, SWIFT can provide a structured path to rehabilitation.

Contact Us for Guidance

If you or a loved one is considering the Tarrant County SWIFT Program, our experienced attorneys can help guide you through the process. Call us at (817) 203-2220 or reach out online to discuss your options. We’ve helped numerous clients achieve exceptional outcomes on SWIFT probation, and we’re here to support you too.