Advocate believes new jail is needed
Letter to the Editor:
As I have listened to arguments both for and against the new jail, many have asked me my thoughts regarding the proposed sales-tax increase to fund a new, expanded jail.
I struggle with the criminalization of mental health and addiction diseases, but unfortunately people with these illnesses often engage in illegal behavior as part of their illness.
Although the disease is not their “fault,” it is important to hold them responsible for consequences of their alcohol or other drug use. In fact I have seen many people begin their journey to recovery starting with being held responsible through the criminal justice system.
Typically jail is not the first option considered by our local criminal justice system. We have excellent probation staff and judges that go above and beyond to keep people out of jail.
The majority of individuals identified with addiction or mental-health diseases are first referred for treatment. Incarceration is truly the last resort. Oftentimes I have seen our local judges place people in jail for their own safety: to keep them alive.
The local treatment network has a strong relationship with the criminal justice system, and they refer to treatment resources daily, both in and out of the jail.
OneEighty currently has four staff members working in the jail. They provide a wide continuum of services and work hard to assure people are locked back into treatment programs and safe places to live upon their discharge from jail.
The staff are significantly hampered in their ability to provide services by the current layout of the jail, the difficulty with moving inmates and the lack of space. Additional services also are provided by Anazao Community Partners, Counseling Center and NAMI Wayne/Holmes.
At this point the building is substandard and overcrowded. Inmates are housed in areas that are unsafe for them and for the jail staff.
The population will continue to grow as the state sends more individuals with felonies 4 and 5 back into local jails.
A new facility is needed and will improve our ability to truly rehabilitate individuals involved in the criminal justice system.
Bobbi E. Douglas, executive director at OneEighty Inc.