Camp Clarke
Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for another term in September, plans to establish a military-style "boot camp" program in the Correctional Facility (former House of Correction) in Franklin this year. (1) The program, to be entitled "Discipline, Order, Training and Structure " (DOTS) would include a heavy regimen of work, exercise, and classes. The classes would include anger management and Bible study. The program would take 90 days.
1. Does Clarke have the authority to establish DOTS?
Since the Sheriff was given the power to run the Correctional Facility in 2009, he can set up a training program in accordance with state law and county ordinances.
2. Can inmates be required to participate in DOTS?
Probably not, but incentives (such as earlier release) may be sufficient to attract participants. For example, a judge could sentence a miscreant to 180 days, but permit release after successful completion of the DOTS program in 90 days. The Sheriff already has the power to provide some inmates with better housing and various privileges, and these could also attract participants.
3. Can Bible study be required of DOTS participants?
No, this would be a violation of the religious rights of inmates. Chaplains are free to offer Bible (or Koran or Talmud) courses, but participation must be strictly voluntary. Unfortunately, Clarke is already known for a tendency to "push the envelope" on using the powers of his office for evangelizing; about five years ago he permitted Christian preachers to evangelize deputies at roll call. (2) This aspect of the program should be carefully monitored by outsiders to prevent any coercion of inmates.
4. Will DOTS do any good?
I think it is worth a try. Although drug treatments and training classes (in welding and printing) are offered at the Correctional Facility now, most inmates spend most of l their time sleeping, watching TV or playing games. I surmise that there are many younger inmates who are interested in changing their lives, and would appreciate an opportunity to become more physically fit and prepared for a life without crime and incarceration. Even if only a minority of the jail population ever participates in DOTS, and a minority of those benefit from the program, it would still be worthwhile. Consider it an experiment in corrections.
I suggest that the Criminal Justice Department of one our local colleges should evaluate the efficacy of the DOTS program. If the program works, it should be continued by future sheriffs. Otherwise, forget it.
David Clarke has a highly authoritarian personality, which perhaps led him to a career in law enforcement. His new program fits that profile perfectly. But discipline and structure are exactly what the men who break the laws and are sentenced to jail need, so I think the idea has a good chance for success.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, July 5, 2010, page 9A.
(2) See the Glazerbeam of Dec. 6, 2009 entitled "Preaching to Police".
1. Does Clarke have the authority to establish DOTS?
Since the Sheriff was given the power to run the Correctional Facility in 2009, he can set up a training program in accordance with state law and county ordinances.
2. Can inmates be required to participate in DOTS?
Probably not, but incentives (such as earlier release) may be sufficient to attract participants. For example, a judge could sentence a miscreant to 180 days, but permit release after successful completion of the DOTS program in 90 days. The Sheriff already has the power to provide some inmates with better housing and various privileges, and these could also attract participants.
3. Can Bible study be required of DOTS participants?
No, this would be a violation of the religious rights of inmates. Chaplains are free to offer Bible (or Koran or Talmud) courses, but participation must be strictly voluntary. Unfortunately, Clarke is already known for a tendency to "push the envelope" on using the powers of his office for evangelizing; about five years ago he permitted Christian preachers to evangelize deputies at roll call. (2) This aspect of the program should be carefully monitored by outsiders to prevent any coercion of inmates.
4. Will DOTS do any good?
I think it is worth a try. Although drug treatments and training classes (in welding and printing) are offered at the Correctional Facility now, most inmates spend most of l their time sleeping, watching TV or playing games. I surmise that there are many younger inmates who are interested in changing their lives, and would appreciate an opportunity to become more physically fit and prepared for a life without crime and incarceration. Even if only a minority of the jail population ever participates in DOTS, and a minority of those benefit from the program, it would still be worthwhile. Consider it an experiment in corrections.
I suggest that the Criminal Justice Department of one our local colleges should evaluate the efficacy of the DOTS program. If the program works, it should be continued by future sheriffs. Otherwise, forget it.
David Clarke has a highly authoritarian personality, which perhaps led him to a career in law enforcement. His new program fits that profile perfectly. But discipline and structure are exactly what the men who break the laws and are sentenced to jail need, so I think the idea has a good chance for success.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, July 5, 2010, page 9A.
(2) See the Glazerbeam of Dec. 6, 2009 entitled "Preaching to Police".
Labels: "David Clarke" Milwaukee
posted by Gerald S Glazer at 11:39 AM
2 Comments:
Excellent analysis. My only question would be whether the Christian preachers were actually "evangelizing?" (i.e., preaching conversion) or merely leading a prayer. If the latter, I have no problem, because though we have a secular government, we have always had a religious society - which, unfortunately is eroding. Also, Christianity has historically been a force for good in this country.
I have to disagree with Ji. While I think Christianity is a fine belief system (I am a Christian myself) it shouldn't be preached on taxpayer dime. Clarke has been taken to court by his deputies over First Amendment issues (pertaining to preaching) before and lost, forcing taxpayers to bail him out. It's just not fiscally responsible.
Luckily, Clarke has an opponent in the Democratic Primary who understands this fact: www.MoewsforSheriff.com
Post a Comment
<< Home