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| Convicts Trade Prison For Tough-Love Probation |
| By KSAT |
| Published: 11/19/2001 |
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A Texas Department of Criminal Justice program that allows convicts to trade a prison term for tough-love probation is getting rave views from law enforcement officials. The Spotlight Program allows probationers to stay out of prison in exchange for intense, strict supervision. For instance, a convict can expect a knock at the door from a probation officer at 3 a.m. 'They (probationers) need to understand that this is a very serious program,' said Mac Stringfellow, chairman of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice. 'If they stub their toe, then they're going in the slammer.' Alfonso Ramos, who was on probation for robbery, found out the hard way recently what can happen when a convict violates the terms of the program agreement. Ramos was paid a visit by his probation officer, who was accompanied by San Antonio police officers who arrested the convict for testing positive for cocaine and for missing curfew twice. 'I don't know what I did,' Ramos said. (I tested) positive for something. I'm on medication.' While convicts like Ramos end up going back to prison, the Spotlight Program gets plenty of praise for helping keep people out of prison and for lowering the crime rate. 'It's really, really worked well for us,' said Sgt. Joe Salvaggio of the San Antonio police department. 'From the bottom of my heart ... thank you.' The program has also helped probationers like Victor Mendoza to get a job and care for his son. Mendoza, who is on probation for selling drugs, said that he'd be in prison if it wasn't for the Spotlight Program. Mendoza admitted the supervision is tough, and probation officials hope that will keep him and others honest. 'The fact that we're out in the field three or four times a week, unannounced, including weekends, lets them know we'll be there,' said Caesar Garcia, Bexar County chief adult probation officer. |
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