Recent Comments
25 comments found
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May 06, 2009
Jon
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Article: Swine Flu and Correctional Security I believe this is a case of, "Chicken Little." Flu (regardless of strain) kills 36,000 people annually in the US alone. We cannot live life without risk. Minimizing risk is one thing...overstating the threat is another. I have lived my entire life of 50 years at the red-level, let alone orange or yellow. I am sick of all the fear - mongering and overstating of the issue. |
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May 05, 2009
Colin Rosewarne
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Article: Swine Flu and Correctional Security Great article - the potential for a pandemic to reak havoc in correctional facilities world-wide is greatly under estimated. Keep up the great work. Colin Rosewarne Victoria, Australia. |
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May 05, 2009
Storac
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Article: Electronic Monitoring of Dangerous Sexual Offenders Although sex offender legislation and judicial issues have brought about volatile discourse around the country, there has been a general lack of rational discussions on the various aspects of those issues. Vollmann's article is certainly representative of much of this problem. Notwithstanding the grammatical infractions that even a high school student would be ashamed to submit, the article advocates the surgical implantation of an active monitoring device at a much greater invasive level than a normal pacemaker. For a civilian or non-medical professional layman to actively advocate such a position is troubling enough; for a person who has several years of education in the pyschological field to advocate such a position must be challenged with a strong rebuttal. In muddying through this painfully-written claptrap, there are five significant points that I can address here: 1. Vollmann writes about registered sex offenders living under a bridge in Miami, due to their draconian residency restrictions. While this is correct, he calls it a “lifestyle,” as opposed to a government-mandated edict. Finally, he incorrectly states that the “lifestyle” has been stopped by police agencies. In fact, that is not true at all. It is actually being promoted by such agencies. 2. He writes in a partisan style (using the term “liberal side of the coin”) when in fact he knows absolutely nothing about sex offender offenses in general. Playing to the fears of parents and communities, Vollmann states several statistics that have nothing to do with his purported goal, surgically implanting electronic GPS into individuals who have been convicted of sex offenses. 3. He cites several “sources.” Most of the sources are opinions, not studies or statistics based on actual circumstances. Indeed, one of the “sources” he cites is a letter to an editor in another publication. The author of that letter? Himself. 4. His ONLY source, in fact, is a disreputable organization called “Family Watchdog,” which essentially is a data mining website for the various sex offender registries around the country. Family Watchdog has a financial incentive to decrease, not increase, the amount of rational sex offender legislation and community safety. We have several items of proof that discredits Family Watchdog, not the least that their information is more than 24% incorrect. 5. He cites “high recidivism rates,” but doesn’t give statistics or sources for those rates. In fact, we have several reputable sources, notably from the US Department of Justice itself, which show quite the opposite: registered sex offenders have the second lowest recidivism rate of EVERY criminal category. In short, this piece is nothing more than a thinly-disguised promotion for Family Watchdog, apparently. In fact, there are several automated posts around the Internet that actually contains the exact non-cited sources that Vollmann uses that contain the Watchdog link. It should be noted that when I tried to contact Vollmann at ITT Educational Services in Carmel, Indiana, where he is apparently an instructor, I never got through to his office. In addition, I talked to personnel in the administration office to notify them of the implied inference of their organization used as part of Vollmann's title. I was told, quite specifically, "NO COMMENT." I will be writing a full rebuttal article that will be referenced by transparent, reputable sources. The rebuttal will be comprehensive to the issue of GPS implants with regard to constitutional issues. In addition, we will also be forwarding the rebuttal to Vollmann, ITT Educational Services, and any appropriate ITT Corporate office that controls the franchise or assignment of their name to the schools. |
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May 05, 2009
spunkycowgirl25
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Congrats and Kudos to Ms. Middleton-Bryant! Thanks to those brave women who first ventured into the "man's" world, I am allowed to have the freedom to choose to work in this profession. I'm still a young pup (25) but hopefully I will be able to make an impact or difference for the next generation of strong and courageous women! My complete gratitude to all those women who came before me! |
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May 04, 2009
CFCWashington
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Article: Electronic Monitoring of Dangerous Sexual Offenders "This lifestyle has been stopped by policing agencies due to health and other conditions that left too much for appropriate supervision." http://www.miamiherald.com/460/story/1029919.html http://www.miamiherald.com/460/story/1029919.html#/photos/v-flash_gallery/gallery/1010357.xml http://www.miamiherald.com/news/columnists/fred-grimm/story/1029950.html Your statement is simply not true. |
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May 04, 2009
shakey
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Article: IN RESPONSE TO: “Verbal and Non-verbal Indicators to Assault” Sorry for this misspelling of Mr. Barnharts name, Dang "b" kept getting in the way on the "n". |
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May 04, 2009
shakey
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Article: IN RESPONSE TO: “Verbal and Non-verbal Indicators to Assault” I do agree with Mr. Barbhart on this issue. Mr. Schwartz seems to have no true understanding of the line officers role and their reactions to a given situation, except for that which has been writen in a book or obtained to him thru second hand knowledge. Setting on a board dose not make a expert in this field but like Mr. Barbhart said, makes you a armchair quarterback. The way that Mr. Schwartz twist the meanings in the artical is comical. For one, no where does it state in the article, that an officer should use force, based on the observation of any or all of the indicators mentioned. I does imply that the officer should use those actions as a awareness that something might be about to happen. You Mr. schwartz, have been talking to the wrong people about Correctional Officers behavior to aggresive situations...in fact ALL behavior associated with the daily occurances, good or bad that a Correctional Officer faces. Just looking at your resume tells me that you are a man with no dirt on his hands that would indicate a true understanding of term Use of Force, let alone "Fixing Use of Force Problems". [1]"School of Hard Knocks, Lessons Learned"; (Haven't wrote it yet but I live by those lessons.) David R. Jacobs, 10 years Law Enforcement, 15+ years and 9 to go, Correctional Officer, DR&C. State of Ohio. |
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May 03, 2009
Wooried-JCO
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I'm A JCO @ Marion Juvenile and my heart & prayers go out to the family of Mr. Hesson. The man was obviously just trying to make A living and from what I understand was very well liked and respected. I sit on units 8 sometimes 16 hours and listen to these youth talk of how easy it is to assault staff and get away with it. Just 2 nights ago I listened to a youth his exact words were,"I slapped that bitch ass guard and he just stood there,cuz he knows he cant touch me" someplace down the line these felon youths rights have become more impotant then the saftey of the guards putting in long hours to watch these youth there consequences are not even close to what they deserve! Its to bad it took the death of A JCO for them to take A look at DYS..I hope they reconsider the closure of Marion and put these youth that belong behind the doors!! I Believe the old saying the Punishment should fit the crime these youth are not punished,there just given more rights!!!! |
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May 02, 2009
Frank Courser
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Article: New Program Helps Female Parolees Stay Out of Prison There are over 11,500 female inmates in California. Helping 25 is hardly worth mentioning. If they were recommended by the BPH or parole officer because of a technical parole violation the cost far out weigh the benefits. All these programs should be available to all inmates male and female before they leave the gate, case management, trauma treatment, substance abuse and domestic violence education, life skills development, family focused services, parenting classes, educational services, GED preparation, vocational training and family reunification services. Such a program tells me the CDCr has not a clue about rehabilitation. Spend the money wisely and put in place a program available to all inmates long before the hit the gate! That is how you have low recidivism ! |
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May 01, 2009
iHenry
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Article: Can we deny inmates access to newspapers, magazines as an incentive for better behavior? In my department, we don't give the maximum security inmates the local newspapers, because they were targeting other inmates because of their crimes or using it to show off when they were in the paper. They are allowed to get other papers and USA Today was put in place of the local paper. |
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May 01, 2009
maddyward
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It is great that he took a negative and turned it into a positive. Would like to know more about his program. Madeleine Ward CURE IL |
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May 01, 2009
maddyward
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It is great that he took a negative and turned it into a positive. Would like to know more about his program. Madeleine Ward CURE IL |
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May 01, 2009
gregg
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Article: New Program Helps Female Parolees Stay Out of Prison So why is this a female only program if 95% of inmates are male, i think they need to look a similar program for males as well. REHABILITATION!!! |
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Apr 29, 2009
jharmon
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Article: Can we deny inmates access to newspapers, magazines as an incentive for better behavior? I work at an institution in a rural area and the newspapers in this area will often have personal information about staff. This often presents a problem when dealing with offenders who subscribe to these newspapers. It would be a big help to maintain professionalism if offenders were not allowed to have local newspapers that contain personal data about staff, which the offender will often use to get close to staff and/or harass them. I know they want to keep up on the news and current events but newspapers that just deal with that information, such as the larger newspaper agencies, not the local ones, could be given to the offenders. Knowing that offenders have more time to think of ways to get involved with staff is hard enough without providing them with more information and help from local newspapers. |
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Apr 28, 2009
Gunfighter
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Article: IN RESPONSE TO: “Verbal and Non-verbal Indicators to Assault” I almost never reply to comments from my readers but in this instance I will make an exception. I want to first make it known that I am not above reproach and my articles tend to make administrators cringe. But officers who know and I mean individuals who have turned a key and not a pencil claiming to have an intimate knowledge about the corrections career. Jeffrey A. Schwartz I appreciate your comments and it is obvious your are pushing your book dealing with use of force problems but they would have been better taken if your experience was that of an actual officer not a consultant claiming to be knowledgeable and experienced. Your comments seem sharply centered toward our difference of opinion and your need to keep up appearances that you are an actual expert. "Lions for Lambs," is one of my favorite comments that stems from an expression that German soldiers used in referring to their British counterparts during World War One. Admiring the bravery of the English infantry while condemning the idiocy of their superiors, the Germans would remark "Never before have such lions been led by such lambs." The statement above says it all as it relates to the lack luster administrations of the correctional agencies all across the United States. Never before have I seen so many administrators so worried about keeping their managerial positions that it prevents them from actually doing their jobs. So they in turn are open to like mindset views of correctional imposters such as yourself. Our society has allowed the kept to dictate how they are kept and the keepers of the kept have no authority to correct the problems and establish safety and security. “Then what must a king do to save his world when the very laws he has sworn to protect, force him to do nothing?” King Leonidas One of my criteria for being an expert is experience which I don’t feel you have in the arena of force. Experience: In addition to knowledge, an expert needs to have significant experience working with that knowledge. Individuals need to be able to apply their tactics in creative ways, to be able to solve problems that have no pre-existing solutions they can look up to identify problems that nobody else has noticed yet. I have stated that just reading and studying about how to do something only gets you so far. Actually doing it gives you a different perspective on the subject and may lead you to determine that the book is wrong. I would say that at least ten years working hands on in your selected career profession should give you a well rounded base of information knowledge. It is one thing to set with corrections administrators and talk about how to apply force in a sterile setting but yet another to actually have been confronted by the necessity and have the intimate knowledge and ability to formulate rapid solutions. Your comments are way off base. |
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Apr 28, 2009
Editor @ Cor...
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Reader Response: http://www.corrections.com/news/article/21403 |
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Apr 27, 2009
wsturgeon
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Article: The Evolution of Security Threat Groups into the Twenty-First Century - Part I Here is the web site http://www.niagarafallsreporter.com/column408.htmlhe web site - It's old age. Bill Sturgeon |
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Apr 27, 2009
wsturgeon
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Article: The Evolution of Security Threat Groups into the Twenty-First Century - Part I |
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Apr 27, 2009
wsturgeon
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Article: The Evolution of Security Threat Groups into the Twenty-First Century - Part I Checkout this web site for information on Los Zetas. Does anyone think the current "Swine Flu" scare will cause additional troubles for American law enforecement and corrections. Checkout your pandemic contingency plans. Bill Sturgeon |
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Apr 22, 2009
dlpicardjr
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Article: Thriving in Corrections I agree, Professionally: We are not defined by our job, but we do define the job. We work in a field that is vital to homeland security and public protection; but we are always the forgotten ones in Blue. I agree 100% that we can leave a positive trail when we pass through our facilities. We do after all have an obligation to release these offenders one day. If we can, at best, show them appropriate behavior, human kindness, and fair treatment, then we can hope they will see it in action and some day even come to appreciate and practice it. I know it is difficult to do and that I may only effect a very few of those I oversee; but those few are the difference sometimes. I always remind my staff that "they (offenders)are locked up as their punishment; not for us to punish them" and that "we are the professionals and need to always remember this and act accordingly". If we want to be taken serious as professionals we need to act as professionals. Personal: I try to some how find a reward in what I do every day. We work in a negative environment with negative people. Some days are harder then others, but it comes from what I do and not what others may do to me. If you can't find something positive in what you do then maybe it is you as much as the environment. Support each other and accept support too. Family: I also feel keeping work out of home (especially our line of work)is good, to a point. I have been in law enforcement since 1989 (street cop, Probation/Parole, and now a Sgt in a max prison)and I have been married since 1993 and have managed a very happy marriage with three great kids too. I share what I do with my spouse and family and hide nothing, but the most horrific, from them. Always keeping it appropriate. My spouse needs to know what I do; to feel safe in my choice of profession. My kids and wife are proud of what I do and they support me 100%. I believe in being open with those I love and care about so they can understand the reality of this job and not fear what the see on TV or in the Media. A bit long, but a great topic. |
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Apr 22, 2009
Trell
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Article: CCA Seeks Jobs For 400 New Positions |
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Apr 22, 2009
LSBingham
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Article: Can we deny inmates access to newspapers, magazines as an incentive for better behavior? In the three prisons where I have worked it Ad-Seg property has varied with the change in location. First prison allowed nothing but mail food clothing and hygiene items to be giving to inmates in seg. The second allowed all their property while in seg. Now at the third place I see them back to nothing except religious books, mail, clothing, and hygiene items. In these few experiences I have noticed that the more items they have the less changes they make. In fact those in seg is growing at the second facility. There are many privledges that need to be resitricted in order to inspire changes in behavior. It is like restricting a child when they misbehave. Some recognized the loss at first with the loss of a few things, however, others need more restrictions in order to get the message. Making changes in a unit is a big deal as inmates don't deal with change well. Even though change is inevitable and the only constant in our lives inmates resist it with totality. Informing them with time for adjustment is necesssary, to maintain order and peace. Much of this could be avoided if we didn't just warehouse inmates to gain some form of habilitation {To impart an ability or capacity to}. {Rehabilitation means: 1. To restore to good health or useful life, as through therapy and education, or good condition, operation, or capacity.} because you cannot restore something that was not there in the first place. They need structure and guidance to gain an ability or capacity to be useful in society. Learning how to feed and clothe themselves would be a large start, despite what the bean-counter say farms and work places are cost effective as forms of habilitation so that when society gets the inmates back then can find ways to support themselves in a legal and useful fashion. |
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Apr 22, 2009
charst46
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I like your statement of it being a game. In many of the interactions we have with inmates, it really is a game. Sometimes we win, sometimes they win. In each case, hopefully the stakes do not increase to where your list of indicators of an oncoming assault come into play. Good article with solid reference points. |
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Apr 20, 2009
Kellie
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Article: Thriving in Corrections This is a terrific article!!!! Just remember: You are not your job!!! I refuse to be involved in Law Enforcement on my off duty time. I keep very active phsically, running, kayaking, biking. I strive to learn new things, both physically and mentally everyday. My significant other is not working in this field which I feel is important. We talk about our respective days and then we are done, nothing negative after that! I try to laugh alot everyday! |
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Apr 20, 2009
Pat
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Article: CCA Seeks Jobs For 400 New Positions I Think that this an great opportunity to Natchez,Ms. It is a great chance for myself to finding a job to supoprt my family. My husband is not able to work. At this point we have no income coming in. Im behind in my mortgage and very much need to catch up with other bills.I hope you all consider me a position in your facility. Thanks for this graet chance to fill that I can nmake it.May God Bless you all. |
