This warden has
designed a program in his prison that allows inmates to earn the right to work
in desirable positions like cattle herding, or working with horses as the
inmates demonstrate good they move up the stepped 'benefits' program this
warden has in place. Likewise, bad behavior results in loss of privileges.
Every prison system uses some sort of punishment for bad behavior, but in Michigan the only incentive for good behavior is to eventually go to a less restrictive lower level. The Michigan Department of Corrections has removed nearly all incentives for good behavior, such as good time, and desirable skills training, educational opportunities, etc. They claim budge woes, but studies have shown that education and skills training reduce recidivism rates. So the department is choosing to spend money on the back-end, rather than the front end.
It's time for the
legislature to start thinking differently about corrections. It's time to start
thinking about rehabilitation and corrective training rather than housing
prisoners to create jobs for thousands of DOC employees.
Seeing what is
working for this prison in Texas gives me hope that there are some people that
believe in the redemptiveness of criminal offenders.
