Let us remember that it is the Department of Corrections, not the Department of Incarceration.
At the recent hearing of the appropriations committee, once again the DOC had no information, and seemed to have very little interest, in any programs or facilities having to do with counseling, rehabilitation, and most importantly, job training.
Of course, not all law breakers will be helped or are even interested in this, but it has been proven time and again that the most successful criminal justice systems focus heavily on corrections, not incarceration.
A few young people went to Pierre to attend that hearing. My greatest concern was how they would feel when they returned.
I'm delighted to say they came back encouraged and energized, feeling that our State Government can still work the way it's supposed to, for they are our future.
Tom Eiesland
Lincoln County
I have seen many people that have troubles living on their own. They need help. Jail or prison are not the answer for them but some kind of institutional supervision works.
Continued underfunding of our state hospital in Yankton leaves those people in prison or on the street.
Thank you, Tom! That’s exactly it!