Prison reform

I read Ed Gaskin’s report on the state of corrections and recidivism. I was a correctional officer for 14 years. There were many programs including GED classes, a drug block and wood shop. Inmates painted, did landscape work and other things. The problem was they couldn’t stay clean from drugs. You can’t teach that. I would say that at least 70% returned to jail within a year or coded on the street.

Until we get a handle on drugs and other illegal activities we will continue to see people returning to jail. Think about the difference between being a cook, a landscaper, construction worker and a drug dealer. The money isn’t even close. Civilians don’t realize how many chances people get before they are actually incarcerated. Work in a prison and you’ll understand why the people are there. While incarcerated they are actually not that bad but in society it is a different story. It’s all about drugs and the Benjamins. No amount of preparedness or vocational training will solve it.

Education needs to be done in elementary school. Enabling bad behavior needs to stop.

Until all children have a stable home with caring parents or guardians any revamp of prisons is a waste of time and money. When kids as young as 13 or 14 are joining gangs or just getting into trouble it’s almost too late because they will end up in the system. Few get out once they are in.

After working in the system and speaking to numerous people I think it’s in better shape than our immigration system, but that’s not saying much. David Kelly

Norfolk