Friday, June 21, 2013
Matos: We Don't Need No Steenkin' Jail
Director of Corrections Arnie Matos did not exactly say that Northampton County needs no jail. But he did point out that, contrary to the trend elsewhere in Pa., the County's jail population is decreasing. It's dropped from 920 to 736, despite all the predictions from experts in three-piece suits. Matos also pointed out that recidivism (criminal behavior by an offender who has already been jailed once) has dropped from 69% to 36.5%.
Since 66 cents of every County tax dollar pays for the back end of crime, this has a dramatic impact on your tax bill.
In my opinion, the corrections officers who helped make this possible should be rewarded for this outstanding turnaround in their newest contract.
In response to questioning from member Lamont McClure, Matos acknowledged that the recidivism rate is only based on re-offenses within the County, although a computer project is under way to make the data from other counties available.
Matos believes the drop in recidivism is a direct result of the treatment approach provided by Community Education Centers. Its contract was extended at last night's meeting, as a program for female offenders is under way.
Member Ken Kraft, who attends Prison Advisory Board meetings, also pointed to a recent program in which high school diplomas are awarded to inmates. Some Easton and at least one Liberty High School diploma were handed out this year. Kraft stated that the recidivism there is even lower, and a lot cheaper.
"Something we're doing in Northampton County is working," noted Matos.
I think it's the bagpipe.
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12 comments:
bullets are much cheaper and helps to keep the population down as well as costs.
eliminate all bs social programs, entertainment, and work release.
put all inmates on a 1,000 calorie a day diet. Only reading material is a Bible
Funny how we're on a hair-trigger to keep the Bible out of schools. Then, we practically throw them at convicted criminals. Somebody who's real smart must have determined that Bibles are solely rehabilitative; not preventative.
The barbarian at 6:34 is very brave but can't sign his name.
By Matos making the statement that Community Education Center is responsible sounds to me like that he pushing for a privatized jail. Ask a few other counties in both PA and NJ how that went for them. Remember saving that penny now may cost you many dollars in the long run. Also, when figuring out those precentages go back more then just a year. As many of the individuals in these programs go to state prisons, and most remain there for more than a year, so once they get out and re-offend they are not in that precentage.
Don't be an idiot and create bogeymen that do not exist. Matos is merely advocating for the treatment afforded by CEC.
I find it interesting that Matos would say recidivism rates decreased due to the CEC Program.... that's funny... not too long ago I recall Matos making nothing but fun of this program and said that it was a waste of money that the prison was spending on this program. Any staff meeting Matos always put his two cents in and always had a complaint about the CEC program. Now that he is Director his entire story switches. Matos is nothing but an arrogant, self seeking, pompous, hypocrite.
And who are you? re you that much of a coward that you attack someone like this and can't identify yourself?
No Bernie, I am not a coward, This is Jacqueline Suarez, We talked on the phone about 2 weeks ago. I would use a different word than attack... what I speak is the truth. People shouldn't act like they do and expect not to be spoken about. I am sharing information that I saw with my own eyes.
Jacqueline, If you are willing to ID yourself, you are free to say what you want. We did speak right before the election, a busy time for me, and I lost your number. If you have mine, please call and we can meet. Or you can email me at BOHare5948@aol.com.
Bernie, No problem I understand your a busy man. I will call you tomorrow. I am not afraid to speak out of things that I have seen or know about it. There are many things that need to be exposed. All those things done in the dark, will come out in the light at some point. Just saying...... I will touch base with you tomorrow.
I'm not that busy.
How does Scott Ott think we should treat inmates?
This is a serious question.
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