Sioux Falls man benefits from 24/7 program

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – A Sioux Falls man who had a string of drunk driving arrests credits a program through the Minnehaha County Jail for helping him.

Himzo Mahmutovic hit a low point in his life when he had three drunk driving arrests in less than a year.

“A few years ago, I was in my active addiction. A lot of alcohol consumption throughout the years to kind of help me cope with my anxieties and depressions in life. It eventually led to a downward spiral,” said Himzo.

His legal troubles led to a court mandate.

“The courts put me on what’s called the 24/7 program. Which is designed to rehabilitate folks like me,” said Himzo.

Minnehaha County Jail warden Mike Mattson runs the 24/7 program.

“That program requires them to provide alcohol testing in one form or another on a daily basis,” Mike explained.

Offenders have the choice to go to the Minnehaha County Jail twice a day to submit a breath test. They can be issued a breathalyzer to take home or they can get an ankle bracelet, which is what Himzo chose.

“I go down there twice a week. Mondays and Thursdays. And they download the information from my ankle to see if there’s any alcohol consumption. That’s really kind of how it all works. So the bracelet costs a little bit more, but it’s definitely peace of mind knowing you don’t have to drive down there every day,” said Himzo.

And there’s motivation to stay clean.

“The punishment is swift and cruel. You immediately get incarcerated if there’s any alcohol consumption. But that only pushes you further to stay sober. You don’t want that. You don’t want to lose your personal freedom,” said Himzo.

Himzo credits the 24/7 program for putting his life on the right path.

“What I really like about this program is there’s a sense of accountability involved. The program has helped me in ways I can’t imagine. I have a secure job, money, there’s people that care about me. And I’m more active in my community than I was ever before,” said Himzo.

“I also think with any program that you do. If they have some investment in wanting to accomplish something, and they have that desire to get it done. Then a program like this is even more beneficial, and they get more out of it. And it’s more successful,” said Mike.

Himzo will complete his suspended sentence in December. He’s had a work permit, which he’ll be allowed to keep until he gets his driver’s license back in February.

Offenders are required to stay on the 24/7 program to maintain a work permit.

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