Could Rockford Pay People to Obey the Law?

With the recent uptick in crime in Rockford, it's left a lot of us asking a question that people might have been asking for some time now-  what more can be done to discourage people from going out and committing these crimes and becoming repeat offenders?

They say crime doesn't pay, but what if it did? The District of Columbia City Council passed a new bill that would pay residents a stipend to not commit crimes.

So, how does this work? Under the bill, city officials would identify up to 200 people a year who are considered at risk of either committing or becoming victims of violent crime. Those people would be directed to participate in behavioral therapy and other programs. If they fulfill those obligations and stay out of trouble, they would be paid.

The amount isn't specified, but residents in Richmond, California; where a similar program is already in progress, is paying it's participants up to $9,000 a year.

Take out the fact that the state doesn't have a budget and the city doesn't have any money; hypothetically speaking, could a similar incentive program work in Rockford?