Significant Revelation
Aug 24th, 2009 by admin
Many of you wondered why the administration and the left went after and continue to go after CRI.
It’s because they’re scared of things like this.
Anyone who opposes the revelation of critical information by trying to shoot the messenger will be given no quarter. CRI has operated and will continue to operate as the highest example of Brandeis’ sunlight on the operation of government. Impressive.
And the government should be appreciative of this kind of work, by the way. It should be seen as helpful, as should the posting of spending online.
Why should the left be scared? Nobody on the left is going to seriously defend any of this.
“Why should the left be scared? Nobody on the left is going to seriously defend any of this.”
They’re scared of the revelations. Many on the left will defend a Democratic-run state, just as many on the right (myself included) defended the Bush administration. And the administration doesn’t want to have to deal with the political ramifications of this stuff.
And while they won’t defend the indefensible, they will continue to attack the organization doing the revealing.
If you think the leftists are scared, wait until you hear the response from the law enforcement and corrections community.
I give CRI props for keeping its nose clean and not overly politicizing this report. The task of politicization of course has been given to people such as yourself.
I don’t understand the mentality behind not treating someone’s diabetes. It is a basic duty to care for those in our custody.
I doubt that anyone on the left is going to disagree with this. Sure, Minner cronies will be up in arms, but it really is indefensible. But with budget cuts and harsher sentencing, these things are probably more likely. Hopefully, this will put people on notice that abuse and neglect is wrong everywhere.
It is politically advantageous to fight hard against abuse and neglect for the helpless (children and the elderly) but there is a certain tolerance for it when people go to prison, presumably because they are “bad people.” This is wrong and it should be fixed. But who will step up and look like they are a “thug hugger” by ensuring reasonable care and treatment of the incarcerated?
Speaking of politicization and CRI connections, let’s pop over to Charlie Copeland’s blog and see what he has to say. I honestly haven’t checked yet, back in a few…
… and I am pleased to be wrong about Charlie. He has refused to demonize the Markell administration or otherwise take political advantage.of this CRI report.
“The task of politicization of course has been given to people such as yourself.”
By me, of course, you mean the people who went after CRI on partisan grounds. Thanks for clearing that up.
“… and I am pleased to be wrong about Charlie. He has refused to demonize the Markell administration or otherwise take political advantage.of this CRI report.”
Actually, contrary to public opinion, there’s a good chance he knows nothing about it.
Have you returned to blogging, Dave? If so, welcome back!
Nope. Just popping in to say hi.
OK, this is going to be a long comment, as I worked 10 years as a Correctional Officer at DCC.
“The State should fire the current vendor providing inmate health care – Correctional Medical
Services, (CMS). It should replace CMS with staff from local hospitals: Christiana Care for the DOC
facilities north of the C & D Canal, and Bay Health for the southern facilities. This model – using
local hospitals to provide inmate medical care — is currently working well in other states. In
Connecticut, the state prison system has partnered with the University of Connecticut Health Center.
The partnership affords inmates access to quality and efficient health care that is cost effective and
subject to local control.”
OK, not a disagreement, but how much money do you have? As long as the CMS (or any other medical provider) is contracted a set rate, you’re going to see this.
“Suicide awareness, mental health and other training the state promised to provide the guard force in
the Settlement Agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice should be implemented immediately”
You can’t staff your prisons now, how are you going to train CO’s for this? Additionally, please keep in mind that the only requirement for a C/O is a HS diploma, so you’re asking them to make mental health judgments? AND remember YOU JUST TOOK A LOT OF THEIR PAY!!!
“During summer months, staffing levels, including mental health professionals, at the Sussex
Delaware may be going the same way as California, where the courts are mandating that CA release prisoners because their health care system for the prison is substandard.
Correctional Institution should be increased on weekends to offset the increased number of
intoxicated suspects brought to the facility from the beach areas”
You’re short of staffing levels in all of the jails. How are you going to accomplish any of this?
“CRI proposes a much more rigorous and robust training regime for all correctional officers at all
levels on the laws, policies and procedures pertaining to the justifiable use of force by correctional
officers, and that such training not be limited to “recruit training” but be an annual in-service training
requirement with multiple refresher segments throughout the year”
Again, short staffing
So really, although these recommendations seem like a good idea, I’m quite sure no one is going to want to pay for this
After Obama destroys the CIA and military security maybe they can be employed as CO’s.
In the end while the report is damaging most of the public will yawn given the economic challenges of today.
Mike Protack
Withholding reasonable medical care from a prisoner is inhumane and would fall into the area of ‘cruel and unusual punishment’.