Some Burleigh County jail inmates can start shaving five days a month off their sentences today if they behave themselves.

Sheriff Steve Berg came up with the idea for a performance-based sentence reduction or "good time" program in September. It was approved by South Central District judges earlier this month and will begin today.

Berg expects the added incentive will reduce the rising number of assaults. The jail averages about one fight a week.

"It's too often," Berg said. "They're getting more aggressive in the jail, and I hope this will curb that."

Inmate Mickey Hanson agrees. He's serving a three-month sentence for violating a restraining order, and he could earn up to 10 days of "good time."

Hanson said in a phone interview from jail Wednesday that the new program would ease tension caused by boredom and other factors.

"I think it's a great idea," Hanson said. "It would give a guy lots to look forward to."

The program also will reduce the jail population and save taxpayers money. It costs an average of $62 a day to house an inmate.

Anyone sentenced to more than 30 days behind bars qualifies. The program doesn't affect inmates who have not been sentenced or who were sentenced to 30 days or less.

On Thursday 12 out of 113 total inmates will qualify for "good time." The Burleigh County jail has a maximum capacity of 130.

"It's actually going to be hard work. It will be easy for inmates to lose days," Berg said. "They'll be monitored very closely."

Infractions and offenses ranging from disrespect and manipulation to assault and destruction of property would cost inmates their five days a month. A disciplinary committee made up of sheriff's department officials will evaluate each inmate and make recommendations, but Berg will have the final word.

"We want to develop consistency," Berg said. "We don't want it so stringent that no one could get any good time."

Assistant Jail Administrator Capt. Lisa Wicks said inmates can hurt their chances at "good time" even before they're sentenced. Staff will keep track of inmates' behavior while they're waiting for their criminal charges to be resolved in court.

"It will give them incentive to be good inmates," she said.

Berg said this is one of several ideas he has for the jail. Future plans include improving the work-release program and designing a "house arrest" program where inmates would remain at home with electronic monitoring devices.

Wicks and Berg said they don't foresee any problems with the "good time" but would deal with any if they arise.

"I can't see a downside to this program at all," Berg said.

(Reach reporter Mike Albrecht at 250-8261 or cops@ndonline.com.)