2/5/1991 - Laserfiche WebLink

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"FEB 1991 E;OOKF,1G 614 Joseph Guffanti, 441 Holly Road, wanted to see the system remain as it is and use the money saved to try a new approach of perhaps setting up a counseling program staffed by volunteers. These volunteers could work with prisoners who have been released in an attempt to educate them and indoctrinate them so they might learn an acceptable way of living. He believed there is a better way of treating wrongdoers and that a little constructive care and genuine concern for their being would be more helpful in producing a more useful member of society. He felt too much effort and money is spent on punishment and not enough on education and rehabilitation. Mr. Guffanti urged the Commissioners to look at education and drug -abuse counseling as a solution. He believed many inmates commit crimes because of a life of ignorance, and stressed that the present criminal system_ only hardens them. Commissioner Eggert pointed out that perhaps the literacy program at the library might well serve as the volunteer basis. In addition, we are starting the matching grant on the forensic program and getting that into the Jail. If the prisoners are there a little longer time, they might be able to learn to read a little better and get some of the counseling they need. Mr. Guffanti believed the programs should be done outside the Jail, but Commissioner Wheeler felt we are getting into philosophies here, and that we have lost sight of what jails are for. Jails are to punish, and the longer prison terms result in less crime. The cost of having people on the street is considerably higher than having them housed in prison. There are programs at the Jail for those willing to help themselves, but you cannot make people help themselves if they don't want to. Mr. Guffanti still believed there is something wrong with our society. Bill Koolage, 815 26th Avenue, believed that another thing that would be helpful in these matters is if the schools would take an extended day. An extended school day along with the After School Program would provide the proper educational environment at an early age and serve as a prevention program. He felt Mr. Guffanti's comments should be taken back to the Committee, but he also felt that Mr. Guffanti needs to know that the County is carrying on trying to come up with ways of correcting the situation. Commissioner Bowman advised that she had spoke with someone high up in the Sheriff's Department who said that the education programs that they teach now are not successful. She believed that teaching that type of student is probably the toughest 56 s � w