Corrections.com - The Largest Online Community for Corrections: Jails and Prisons. Comments.

Jan 03, 2008

Gene Atherton

Corrections is a profession that grooms or supports people for aggressively talking, knowing the right answers, with urgency. Very often the leaders that emerge are not good listeners. Good listening skills are far more valuable in gaining information and building critical relationships than most realize. All leads to a safer environment. It is refreshing to seem some explaination and guiding principles as part of a training experience.

Dec 28, 2007

Best Jail.com

Article: Heated interpretations

Heated Interpretation Florida has banded the use of OC spray for all juveniles following the death of the juvenile at one of state facility boot camps. Officers at local county facilities that were allowed to have OC spray no longer can use it. I think that OC spray is a excellent hands off tool that can calm a situation a lot easier than physical force. Normally if you've been sprayed once, you won't want to be sprayed again. Juveniles like to challenge adults and a lot of them are just as big as adults, wherein they are matching your strength. Some of them in my experience like the idea of going up against an officer they feel they are as big or as strong as. The OC spray not only helps keep the officer safe it also minimizes the amount force so that the inmate doesn't get hurt also. I feel that OC form is a good tool to be used in any correctional setting. Officers should be trained to know when and how to use the OC spray so as not to abuse its use.I feel all officers should be allowed to carry OC spray while on duty. In our organization we are trained with how and when to use the OC spray but we are not allowed to carry it on duty. This to me doesn't make a lot of sense but the only one's that are allowed to carry it are the supervisors. I am hoping in the near future that all officers will be allowed to carry the OC spray because to me it is a excellent tool when used properly.

Dec 18, 2007

murfunit

Article: Turning off the hot wire

Mr. Dawes' comments about the personality changes that take place to uniformed correctional officers are accurate and important. This is accurate, because some of Dawes' descriptions fit the changes that affected this service member during his early years as an officer at Rikers Island. I like to observe that when we (officers) work in tough units and assignments we tend to fall back on other uniformed staff only for support and understanding. Our psyches' cannot fathom how anyone outside of the uniformed circle we work in could possibly understand what we experience. In fact I wonder how many of us think there is something wrong in that many of us cannot articulate what we feel about circumstances behind the gate, especially if we are continually exposed to violence and stress everyday with no let down. This is the trauma of the "system." Consequently Mr. Dawes’ comments are important because adverse personality changes due to institutionalized trauma need interventions lest the member of service burn out or worse. During my 24 years of service I have concluded that it is healthy to have a "life" and to experience spontaneity with family and loved ones. This could mean engaging yourself in activities far removed from the correctional setting. Staying human ultimately is the trait that keeps any correctional officer grounded. Staying human requires a lot of cultivation to keep growing: as mentioned family, friends and activities, personal outlets in hobbies, organizations, education, and a religious belief system. No human can over come this trauma we speak of alone, nor can a correctional officer, also a human being, do this alone as well. Correctional systems, and many inmates, tend to create psychological separations and isolations. Such psychological isolation does hit correctional officers from time to time when they do feel separated from everything. Again this is the effect of institutionalized trauma and it must be overcome. Dawes is absolutely correct when he states that we must all leave what goes on behind the wall behind and to enjoy our own lives. Remember, while we work many hours in these correctional settings, we must always take into account that we get to go home at the end of the day. Do not let anyone or anything take that away from you. John J. Murphy, Jr Captain N.Y.C. Department of Correction

Dec 14, 2007

sflowers

Article: Building a future

I enjoyed your article, Kelly! It was very well written and you shared some GOOD news too! :) It seems as though Rhode Island may be onto something, and I shall look forward to hearing more reviews about their program and how it's working. As a former Addictions Counselor for a prison-based intensive out-patient substance abuse program, I am most assuredly an advocate of habilitating offenders so as to reduce recidivism as well as to give them a better chance for successful reintegration into society. Notice I did NOT say "rehabilitate", as that would indicate a return or restoration to their previous lifestyles. I'm in recovery myself, so I'm not in this field by accident whatsoever--and I had to be "habilitated", as opposed to "rehabilitated" when I went to treatment. Although I'm not currently working in a prison or any corrections based job, it is my desire to perhaps return one day as a contracted counselor for another prison based substance abuse program. Susan L. Flowers

Dec 14, 2007

CCNNreader

Article: Condoms coming soon to a facility near you?

There are great points in this article. But the main issue is, the inmates are still going to have sexual intercourse in the jails anyway, with or without condoms. It is best to give them the condoms along with the lecture, and hope they past the information on to their partners. Those that actually do pay attention and listen, will also carry the information through entire jail.

Dec 14, 2007

Charis

Article: Recalling the basics for a peaceful holiday time

I would like to thank Bill Sturgeon for sending me this article. I think that I can safely speak for many of us who are lay people that unless we are or have been touched by someone that is or has been incarcinated, even a small thought of the situations that were covered would not come to mind. I have been enlightened and will surely pass this on to others. Thank you again. Charis

Dec 06, 2007

CCNNreader

Article: Unhelpful hints

As a female corrections officer, I can feel for Ms. Collins. Sexual advances toward female officers is common place not just in New York, but nation wide. Not just by supervisors but also by fellow male officers. We have been told to just deal with it. Also, the sexual advances from inmates, for example blantant masterbation, comments such as, "you know you want it" etc.. Supervisors and male officers alike have stated many times, "you are working in a male prison, deal with it". If I were a waitress and a patron started masterbation and I just to deal with it because we serve men? Wish I could find the answer.

Nov 29, 2007

Gene Atherton

Article: Unhelpful hints

2, (Continued from earlier comment)Is that specific strategies must be rigoriously employed to eliminate or significantly reduce sexual misconduct/descrimination in the work force. It cannot be the canned approach if get a policy from a library, publish, train people in a lecture classroom and then send them back to work. It does not work. The changes must be deeper within the day-to-day workings of the corrections organization, and must affect how issues are managed at the work sight. 3. From 1998 to 2005 we made changes in policy and practices with the idea in mind of eliminating sexual misconduct and gender descrimination among STAFF at a high security prison in Colorado. Later, it led to changes in state wide policy that was effective. It is to be published in article form by ACA in the coming months in STATE OF CORRECTIONS:PROCEEDINGS OF THE 2006 ACA CONFERENCE. The article in the book is "Sexual Misconduct Among Staff - The CSP Experience". It summarizes performance data and what we thought was effective in making a positive change. For those who wish a draft of the article, e-mail me a gatherton@wildblue.net

Nov 29, 2007

Gene Atherton

Article: Unhelpful hints

In My Opinion: 1. Problems created by unlawful gender discrimination in corrections have improved over the years, but the problems remain, depending the agency. Some areas I suspect are as bad in Institutions and Jails as when women first entered the work force in the early eighties. 2.

Nov 28, 2007

zardah

Article: Cows bolt from patty joint

Obviously they had some kind of beef with the destination.

Nov 24, 2007

cwala

Article: Terrorism in corrections, a ticking time bomb

Concerning your article on terrorist in prisons/jails. I spent two years in Iraq and one year in Afganistan working with both countries to establish a prison system compliant with international standards. I dealt with prisoners from Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo Bay. The most important thing you can do when dealing with terrorist is to know their culture, background and their religion. If they are a Jihadist then their interpretation of the Koran is more radical. You need to know what they are capable and willing to do in the name of Allah. Know who you are dealing with!!!

Nov 23, 2007

borg6018

Article: Supervising the cyber-offender: Are you ready?

THEY CAN ALSO TYPE BETTER THAN I CAN!

Nov 23, 2007

borg6018

Article: Supervising the cyber-offender: Are you ready?

ST MY FACILITY WE TEACH INMATES HOW TO USE COMPUTERS MORE EFFECTIVLY DO IT IS A CONSTANT THREAT THAT THEY WLL GET OUTSIDE OUTR INTRANET AND DO MORE DAMAGE TO SOCIETY. MOST OF OUR INMATES ARE SEX OFFENDERS AND LOTS ARE WAY ABOVE AVERAGE IQ ALSO.

Nov 22, 2007

Gene Atherton

Article: Simple place for a simple man

It is obvious to anyone who has met Burl Cain that he leads Anglo with his heart. It is evidenced by the coffin program and countless other programs he has intiated that have great meaning for inmates. Not everyone in positions of responsibility thinks in that way. Burl is unique.

Nov 17, 2007

simon

Article: Nev. parolees remaining in prison

i would like to know what it takes to be realeased from parole i have been on parole for 21 years with no violations and failing health i am no more of a threat to society than someones grandma all i want is to realeased from parole so me and my wife can leave nevada and never come back i need to be where i can get some decent medical treatment as i have several things wrong and need to be close to my doctors in california any info or help would be very much appreciate it thank you

Nov 16, 2007

Tweelar

Article: Terrorism in corrections, a ticking time bomb

I have talked to alot of people who work in the criminal field how the inmates will so call "size you up". They will intimidate you if you let your guards down. Yes, their are some officers that is very nasty to inmates but that gets them where with inmates. In order to get respect you have to give respect, yor can't expect to treat inmates unfairly and want respect from them it's not going to happen. As a officer you go to work be firm but fair, you will have a better day and get to go home safely..

Nov 15, 2007

Gene Atherton

Article: Mission: Success – Three tiers of force

I think it is an excellant article with many of the important principles of successful application of physical force well stated. I agree that excellant training builds confidence, and helps officers be confident in managing inmate behavior that may lead to a use of force. It is my opinion that officer confidence in the use of physical force also is determined by how leadership and the criminal justice agency manages each event. Process of document, investigation, and leadership philosophy makes a major difference in staff attitude.

Nov 12, 2007

janeslaw

Article: Surely this bandana, grocery bag and broken gun will scare them

Clearly, Mr. Cesare has been a law abiding citizen for the past 70 years. He seems remorseful and apologetic for his attempt to alleviate his financial woes. Isn't the real crime that folks his age are forced to steal to survive. Sad commentary on our culture!

Nov 02, 2007

cloud10

Article: Simple place for a simple man

This was such a good article. Well told and written. We need to read more about affirmative things taking place, encouraging us that our work is not wasted time and energy, that dedication to this correctional work makes a difference somewhere. Lead on.

Oct 24, 2007

Margaret

Article: The Way Back Home: The transition factor

MHolder: Berkeley great article, you have captured the essence of what happens to individuals after being incarcerated. You have vast knowlege on the subject as a correction officer. Working in the justice system for manys years you witnessed the difficulties the inmates face on rentering society.

Oct 23, 2007

DOIIWebb

Article: Gang control funds sought

Coming from a gang infested area of town, I know what it feels like to go to the local park and find nothing but bangers, slanger, and smokers. I would have given anything to go to the park and join a pop warner football team or league basketball, or anysport. We should look into investing into community programs as much as Law Enforcement. Give a kid alternatives and be surprised what they choose.

Oct 21, 2007

SSosa

Article: The Way Back Home: The transition factor

Transitioning - or re-entry into society as an equal to all others - is an admirable concept. However, the stigma of a criminal record, and in particular, incarceration is one that is not easy to leave behind, even for the offender. If society could be so forgiving, the offender may not be for his or her self. What may be needed to effect the aims of "rebuilding control, understanding and purpose" is to address the thing that cause these to be lost in the first place - i.e., our customary 'solution' of incarceration. Granted, incarceration is needed for certain types of violent offenders. However, there are other ways I believe we can punish certain types of offenders without the need for incarceration - and the seminal loss of control, understanding and purpose - with long days of meaningless time. Perhaps we can look to constructive deterents like radical seizure of assets, long-term reparations for damages, or similar ways to ensure that the debt to society and the victim are repaid in tangible ways. This still leaves an aspect of control, understanding of impact, and a sense or redemption (i.e., purpose) with the offender. For the violent offenders, our approach has to be different. A way to more intelligently segregate the incarcerated populace according to offense and behaviour is something that we must explore, I feel. In this way one bad apple won't corrupt the whole bunch as quickly. And as Mr. Harris says, non-traditional programs and resources to effect prisoner re-entry planning need to be more systemic - but take shape the day the prisoner is assigned his cell.

Oct 21, 2007

gumshoestu

Article: State stops inmate highway crews

The offenders were drunk? Drunk?! Where were the correction officers?! And why do they still have a job?! S. Barnhill, Dallas, TX

Oct 21, 2007

tigress

Article: Crossing the line

We recognized a problem about a year ago when we lost 2 in less than 6 months due to relations with inmates and actually had our in house therapist and retired State Jail Inspector put together a class for all correctional staff. We had 1 class just for the female staff. We plan on having it every year. We also add it to new hire training.

Oct 20, 2007

rcarr

Article: The Way Back Home: The transition factor

Berkeley's understanding of what it's like to re-enter public society after prison was strengthened by his halfway house experience, but it's also clear he knows the types of dilemmas that people who are out-of-the-mainstream from sociey face from their early years on. I like the way he has used Bridges' work to provide a perspective on transition. My own work in corrections with establishing mentoring and peer support services brought me to see three problem areas for offenders re-entering from prison: Trust, Honesty, and Respect. These are three elements that are often missing from the peer group that recovering offenders hang out with, and consequently often get them back into trouble and back into prison. While teaching offenders specific skills can be useful, they could benefit more from being with people who have mastered these three areas. Mentoring is one way this can happen, but working with life coaches may provide even more impetus to learn how to put these three into practice as life goals.

Jan 03, 2008 Gene Atherton	Article: Are you listening? Corrections is a profession that grooms or supports people for aggressively talking, knowing the right answers, with urgency. Very often the leaders that emerge are not good listeners. Good listening skills are far more valuable in gaining information and building critical relationships than most realize. All leads to a safer environment. It is refreshing to seem some explaination and guiding principles as part of a training experience.

Dec 28, 2007 Best Jail.com	Article: Heated interpretations Heated Interpretation Florida has banded the use of OC spray for all juveniles following the death of the juvenile at one of state facility boot camps. Officers at local county facilities that were allowed to have OC spray no longer can use it. I think that OC spray is a excellent hands off tool that can calm a situation a lot easier than physical force. Normally if you've been sprayed once, you won't want to be sprayed again. Juveniles like to challenge adults and a lot of them are just as big as adults, wherein they are matching your strength. Some of them in my experience like the idea of going up against an officer they feel they are as big or as strong as. The OC spray not only helps keep the officer safe it also minimizes the amount force so that the inmate doesn't get hurt also. I feel that OC form is a good tool to be used in any correctional setting. Officers should be trained to know when and how to use the OC spray so as not to abuse its use.I feel all officers should be allowed to carry OC spray while on duty. In our organization we are trained with how and when to use the OC spray but we are not allowed to carry it on duty. This to me doesn't make a lot of sense but the only one's that are allowed to carry it are the supervisors. I am hoping in the near future that all officers will be allowed to carry the OC spray because to me it is a excellent tool when used properly.

Dec 18, 2007 murfunit	Article: Turning off the hot wire Mr. Dawes' comments about the personality changes that take place to uniformed correctional officers are accurate and important. This is accurate, because some of Dawes' descriptions fit the changes that affected this service member during his early years as an officer at Rikers Island. I like to observe that when we (officers) work in tough units and assignments we tend to fall back on other uniformed staff only for support and understanding. Our psyches' cannot fathom how anyone outside of the uniformed circle we work in could possibly understand what we experience. In fact I wonder how many of us think there is something wrong in that many of us cannot articulate what we feel about circumstances behind the gate, especially if we are continually exposed to violence and stress everyday with no let down. This is the trauma of the "system." Consequently Mr. Dawes’ comments are important because adverse personality changes due to institutionalized trauma need interventions lest the member of service burn out or worse. During my 24 years of service I have concluded that it is healthy to have a "life" and to experience spontaneity with family and loved ones. This could mean engaging yourself in activities far removed from the correctional setting. Staying human ultimately is the trait that keeps any correctional officer grounded. Staying human requires a lot of cultivation to keep growing: as mentioned family, friends and activities, personal outlets in hobbies, organizations, education, and a religious belief system. No human can over come this trauma we speak of alone, nor can a correctional officer, also a human being, do this alone as well. Correctional systems, and many inmates, tend to create psychological separations and isolations. Such psychological isolation does hit correctional officers from time to time when they do feel separated from everything. Again this is the effect of institutionalized trauma and it must be overcome. Dawes is absolutely correct when he states that we must all leave what goes on behind the wall behind and to enjoy our own lives. Remember, while we work many hours in these correctional settings, we must always take into account that we get to go home at the end of the day. Do not let anyone or anything take that away from you. John J. Murphy, Jr Captain N.Y.C. Department of Correction

Dec 14, 2007 sflowers	Article: Building a future I enjoyed your article, Kelly! It was very well written and you shared some GOOD news too! :) It seems as though Rhode Island may be onto something, and I shall look forward to hearing more reviews about their program and how it's working. As a former Addictions Counselor for a prison-based intensive out-patient substance abuse program, I am most assuredly an advocate of habilitating offenders so as to reduce recidivism as well as to give them a better chance for successful reintegration into society. Notice I did NOT say "rehabilitate", as that would indicate a return or restoration to their previous lifestyles. I'm in recovery myself, so I'm not in this field by accident whatsoever--and I had to be "habilitated", as opposed to "rehabilitated" when I went to treatment. Although I'm not currently working in a prison or any corrections based job, it is my desire to perhaps return one day as a contracted counselor for another prison based substance abuse program. Susan L. Flowers

Dec 14, 2007 CCNNreader	Article: Condoms coming soon to a facility near you? There are great points in this article. But the main issue is, the inmates are still going to have sexual intercourse in the jails anyway, with or without condoms. It is best to give them the condoms along with the lecture, and hope they past the information on to their partners. Those that actually do pay attention and listen, will also carry the information through entire jail.

Dec 14, 2007 Charis	Article: Recalling the basics for a peaceful holiday time I would like to thank Bill Sturgeon for sending me this article. I think that I can safely speak for many of us who are lay people that unless we are or have been touched by someone that is or has been incarcinated, even a small thought of the situations that were covered would not come to mind. I have been enlightened and will surely pass this on to others. Thank you again. Charis

Dec 06, 2007 CCNNreader	Article: Unhelpful hints As a female corrections officer, I can feel for Ms. Collins. Sexual advances toward female officers is common place not just in New York, but nation wide. Not just by supervisors but also by fellow male officers. We have been told to just deal with it. Also, the sexual advances from inmates, for example blantant masterbation, comments such as, "you know you want it" etc.. Supervisors and male officers alike have stated many times, "you are working in a male prison, deal with it". If I were a waitress and a patron started masterbation and I just to deal with it because we serve men? Wish I could find the answer.

Nov 29, 2007 Gene Atherton	Article: Unhelpful hints 2, (Continued from earlier comment)Is that specific strategies must be rigoriously employed to eliminate or significantly reduce sexual misconduct/descrimination in the work force. It cannot be the canned approach if get a policy from a library, publish, train people in a lecture classroom and then send them back to work. It does not work. The changes must be deeper within the day-to-day workings of the corrections organization, and must affect how issues are managed at the work sight. 3. From 1998 to 2005 we made changes in policy and practices with the idea in mind of eliminating sexual misconduct and gender descrimination among STAFF at a high security prison in Colorado. Later, it led to changes in state wide policy that was effective. It is to be published in article form by ACA in the coming months in STATE OF CORRECTIONS:PROCEEDINGS OF THE 2006 ACA CONFERENCE. The article in the book is "Sexual Misconduct Among Staff - The CSP Experience". It summarizes performance data and what we thought was effective in making a positive change. For those who wish a draft of the article, e-mail me a gatherton@wildblue.net

Nov 29, 2007 Gene Atherton	Article: Unhelpful hints In My Opinion: 1. Problems created by unlawful gender discrimination in corrections have improved over the years, but the problems remain, depending the agency. Some areas I suspect are as bad in Institutions and Jails as when women first entered the work force in the early eighties. 2.

Nov 28, 2007 zardah	Article: Cows bolt from patty joint Obviously they had some kind of beef with the destination.

Nov 24, 2007 cwala	Article: Terrorism in corrections, a ticking time bomb Concerning your article on terrorist in prisons/jails. I spent two years in Iraq and one year in Afganistan working with both countries to establish a prison system compliant with international standards. I dealt with prisoners from Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo Bay. The most important thing you can do when dealing with terrorist is to know their culture, background and their religion. If they are a Jihadist then their interpretation of the Koran is more radical. You need to know what they are capable and willing to do in the name of Allah. Know who you are dealing with!!!

Nov 23, 2007 borg6018	Article: Supervising the cyber-offender: Are you ready? THEY CAN ALSO TYPE BETTER THAN I CAN!

Nov 23, 2007 borg6018	Article: Supervising the cyber-offender: Are you ready? ST MY FACILITY WE TEACH INMATES HOW TO USE COMPUTERS MORE EFFECTIVLY DO IT IS A CONSTANT THREAT THAT THEY WLL GET OUTSIDE OUTR INTRANET AND DO MORE DAMAGE TO SOCIETY. MOST OF OUR INMATES ARE SEX OFFENDERS AND LOTS ARE WAY ABOVE AVERAGE IQ ALSO.

Nov 22, 2007 Gene Atherton	Article: Simple place for a simple man It is obvious to anyone who has met Burl Cain that he leads Anglo with his heart. It is evidenced by the coffin program and countless other programs he has intiated that have great meaning for inmates. Not everyone in positions of responsibility thinks in that way. Burl is unique.

Nov 17, 2007 simon	Article: Nev. parolees remaining in prison i would like to know what it takes to be realeased from parole i have been on parole for 21 years with no violations and failing health i am no more of a threat to society than someones grandma all i want is to realeased from parole so me and my wife can leave nevada and never come back i need to be where i can get some decent medical treatment as i have several things wrong and need to be close to my doctors in california any info or help would be very much appreciate it thank you

Nov 16, 2007 Tweelar	Article: Terrorism in corrections, a ticking time bomb I have talked to alot of people who work in the criminal field how the inmates will so call "size you up". They will intimidate you if you let your guards down. Yes, their are some officers that is very nasty to inmates but that gets them where with inmates. In order to get respect you have to give respect, yor can't expect to treat inmates unfairly and want respect from them it's not going to happen. As a officer you go to work be firm but fair, you will have a better day and get to go home safely..

Nov 15, 2007 Gene Atherton	Article: Mission: Success – Three tiers of force I think it is an excellant article with many of the important principles of successful application of physical force well stated. I agree that excellant training builds confidence, and helps officers be confident in managing inmate behavior that may lead to a use of force. It is my opinion that officer confidence in the use of physical force also is determined by how leadership and the criminal justice agency manages each event. Process of document, investigation, and leadership philosophy makes a major difference in staff attitude.

Nov 12, 2007 janeslaw	Article: Surely this bandana, grocery bag and broken gun will scare them Clearly, Mr. Cesare has been a law abiding citizen for the past 70 years. He seems remorseful and apologetic for his attempt to alleviate his financial woes. Isn't the real crime that folks his age are forced to steal to survive. Sad commentary on our culture!

Nov 02, 2007 cloud10	Article: Simple place for a simple man This was such a good article. Well told and written. We need to read more about affirmative things taking place, encouraging us that our work is not wasted time and energy, that dedication to this correctional work makes a difference somewhere. Lead on.

Oct 24, 2007 Margaret	Article: The Way Back Home: The transition factor MHolder: Berkeley great article, you have captured the essence of what happens to individuals after being incarcerated. You have vast knowlege on the subject as a correction officer. Working in the justice system for manys years you witnessed the difficulties the inmates face on rentering society.

Oct 23, 2007 DOIIWebb	Article: Gang control funds sought Coming from a gang infested area of town, I know what it feels like to go to the local park and find nothing but bangers, slanger, and smokers. I would have given anything to go to the park and join a pop warner football team or league basketball, or anysport. We should look into investing into community programs as much as Law Enforcement. Give a kid alternatives and be surprised what they choose.

Oct 21, 2007 SSosa	Article: The Way Back Home: The transition factor Transitioning - or re-entry into society as an equal to all others - is an admirable concept. However, the stigma of a criminal record, and in particular, incarceration is one that is not easy to leave behind, even for the offender. If society could be so forgiving, the offender may not be for his or her self. What may be needed to effect the aims of "rebuilding control, understanding and purpose" is to address the thing that cause these to be lost in the first place - i.e., our customary 'solution' of incarceration. Granted, incarceration is needed for certain types of violent offenders. However, there are other ways I believe we can punish certain types of offenders without the need for incarceration - and the seminal loss of control, understanding and purpose - with long days of meaningless time. Perhaps we can look to constructive deterents like radical seizure of assets, long-term reparations for damages, or similar ways to ensure that the debt to society and the victim are repaid in tangible ways. This still leaves an aspect of control, understanding of impact, and a sense or redemption (i.e., purpose) with the offender. For the violent offenders, our approach has to be different. A way to more intelligently segregate the incarcerated populace according to offense and behaviour is something that we must explore, I feel. In this way one bad apple won't corrupt the whole bunch as quickly. And as Mr. Harris says, non-traditional programs and resources to effect prisoner re-entry planning need to be more systemic - but take shape the day the prisoner is assigned his cell.

Oct 21, 2007 gumshoestu	Article: State stops inmate highway crews The offenders were drunk? Drunk?! Where were the correction officers?! And why do they still have a job?! S. Barnhill, Dallas, TX

Oct 21, 2007 tigress	Article: Crossing the line We recognized a problem about a year ago when we lost 2 in less than 6 months due to relations with inmates and actually had our in house therapist and retired State Jail Inspector put together a class for all correctional staff. We had 1 class just for the female staff. We plan on having it every year. We also add it to new hire training.

Oct 20, 2007 rcarr	Article: The Way Back Home: The transition factor Berkeley's understanding of what it's like to re-enter public society after prison was strengthened by his halfway house experience, but it's also clear he knows the types of dilemmas that people who are out-of-the-mainstream from sociey face from their early years on. I like the way he has used Bridges' work to provide a perspective on transition. My own work in corrections with establishing mentoring and peer support services brought me to see three problem areas for offenders re-entering from prison: Trust, Honesty, and Respect. These are three elements that are often missing from the peer group that recovering offenders hang out with, and consequently often get them back into trouble and back into prison. While teaching offenders specific skills can be useful, they could benefit more from being with people who have mastered these three areas. Mentoring is one way this can happen, but working with life coaches may provide even more impetus to learn how to put these three into practice as life goals.

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