So let’s get this straight: The state of Maryland and the city of Baltimore both face massive budget deficits, furloughs and layoffs– plus pension cuts– and yet the state is pressing forward with plans to build a shiny, new $100 million facility to house youth offenders who will be tried as adults? So not only do we have $100 million to spend inappropriately, but isn’t it ironic that the same $100 million could be used on effective programs which would eliminate whatever need it is perceived the jails would fill?
Follow me?
Liz Ryan, president and CEO of the Washington-based Campaign for Youth Justice, wrote an op-ed in the Baltimore Sun which gives several reasons why building a new jail is the wrong solution for troubled youth. Chief among them is how the state is trying to build its way out of deplorable conditions which currently house youth offenders and adult criminals together, while ignoring alternative programs which might obviate the need for another facility that will soon enough become full, then overcrowded.
My good friend, Tara Andrews, who serves on the board of the Justice Policy Institute, recently distributed JPI’s intriguing new report titled “Baltimore Behind Bars: How to Reduce the Jail Population, Save Money and Improve Public Safety.” Not surprisingly, the report cautioned “Baltimore residents about the ’build it and they will come’ maxim that often accompanies jail construction. Regardless of the State’s intentions, the addition of jail beds can lead to greater numbers of people being incarcerated, most of whom have yet to be convicted.” In fact, 9 out of 10 people in Baltimore jails are awaiting trial and have yet to be convicted. Baltimore leads the nation in the percentage of its population which is behind bars. We can save money and avoid the harm of incarcerating large segments of our neighborhoods by implementing programs that have proven successful in other cities across the country. Read the report. Pay attention to the solutions contained therein.
Instead of building more jails.
I’ll say it again: Insanity is the doing the same things over and over while expecting a different result. Until we get serious about ending the cycles of poverty and incarceration and dedicate ourselves to educating and nurturing our children to become productive, responsible adults, we will continue to fight a war we can’t win.
Be Part of the Solution. Vote Wood for Delegate. Change is good. Vote for Wood.
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