I was a uniformed officer that brought people into the jail to be booked into the system. Sometimes it was for "minor infractions" that involved county time after which they were released back into the exact same circumstances that lead them to the jail to begin with. Sometimes it was for a minor infraction that allowed them to have a warm, dry bed, three square meals each day, showers, and refilled anti-psychotic medications. Sometimes they detoxed in jail, but usually they were transferred to a detox facility, depending on their needs.
The frequent fliers came to know us by our first names and would call out salutations on the street if they saw us off duty.
We came to know them and their needs on a more personal level than you might expect. It was hard to watch the revolving door. The system was not always designed well, but we tried to be kind in our interactions with the prisoners.
100% on point. Thank you. Jails and Prisons are thought of as the end of the line in the criminal justice system, when they can be a place for a restart and new beginning. ReEntry plans should be started on day one of incarnation. There is a small group that will never change and there is a group that this experience will never happen again to them. Many because they have a support system or "second base" outside. But the third group are the ones we have to concentrate one. The ones who need a hand up and they might finally break that cycle. It is all worth the work and effort when you can change even just one. I have been doing this for over 32 years now and I see a lot of people that I met there. I have had some great conversations with them and always ask how it is going and what are their plans for the future. It is definitely a people business and I always remind myself of that during my daily interactions.
Very well explained, and thank you for taking the time to say all this. I completely agree. They have to do the work, but as the article says, that’s one hell of an exam to release someone to the street with zero support to change their life.
Citrus Hope would cost $26-29 a day, with an average stay (typical of their other Hope projects) of 110 days, and almost a 50% success rate of transitioning to stable housing and work. (National average is 25%.)
The inmates in our county jail… over $87 a day. Keep them out of jail, get them into the work force… that’s a win-win-win for taxpayers, the fabric of the community, and… humanity.
I've spent time with homeless teens on three continents and can confirm that they can only hold onto hope if they learn skills that restore their self-esteem. Brava for all that you do.
Powerful article! So incredibly true about our different starting lines in life. Thank you for showing up for those 13 women and being excited for their accomplishments.
Beautiful story of your “why?” Wish all public servants would place themselves in these rooms, maybe then we would all see how simple dusting off home plate and handing a bat really is.
I was a uniformed officer that brought people into the jail to be booked into the system. Sometimes it was for "minor infractions" that involved county time after which they were released back into the exact same circumstances that lead them to the jail to begin with. Sometimes it was for a minor infraction that allowed them to have a warm, dry bed, three square meals each day, showers, and refilled anti-psychotic medications. Sometimes they detoxed in jail, but usually they were transferred to a detox facility, depending on their needs.
The frequent fliers came to know us by our first names and would call out salutations on the street if they saw us off duty.
We came to know them and their needs on a more personal level than you might expect. It was hard to watch the revolving door. The system was not always designed well, but we tried to be kind in our interactions with the prisoners.
It still breaks my heart these 42 years later.
Thanks Annie. This one will linger for a long time.
100% on point. Thank you. Jails and Prisons are thought of as the end of the line in the criminal justice system, when they can be a place for a restart and new beginning. ReEntry plans should be started on day one of incarnation. There is a small group that will never change and there is a group that this experience will never happen again to them. Many because they have a support system or "second base" outside. But the third group are the ones we have to concentrate one. The ones who need a hand up and they might finally break that cycle. It is all worth the work and effort when you can change even just one. I have been doing this for over 32 years now and I see a lot of people that I met there. I have had some great conversations with them and always ask how it is going and what are their plans for the future. It is definitely a people business and I always remind myself of that during my daily interactions.
Very well explained, and thank you for taking the time to say all this. I completely agree. They have to do the work, but as the article says, that’s one hell of an exam to release someone to the street with zero support to change their life.
Citrus Hope would cost $26-29 a day, with an average stay (typical of their other Hope projects) of 110 days, and almost a 50% success rate of transitioning to stable housing and work. (National average is 25%.)
The inmates in our county jail… over $87 a day. Keep them out of jail, get them into the work force… that’s a win-win-win for taxpayers, the fabric of the community, and… humanity.
Great post, you get it. BTW not everyone needs to go to jail
Extraordinary insight.
I've spent time with homeless teens on three continents and can confirm that they can only hold onto hope if they learn skills that restore their self-esteem. Brava for all that you do.
Powerful article! So incredibly true about our different starting lines in life. Thank you for showing up for those 13 women and being excited for their accomplishments.
I walked out truly humbled, and energized.
Beautiful story of your “why?” Wish all public servants would place themselves in these rooms, maybe then we would all see how simple dusting off home plate and handing a bat really is.
Thank you Pearl.