Posted on 03/10/2004 8:13:09 AM PST by kellynla
It's tough enough that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger inherited a massive fiscal crisis that has consumed much of his time in Sacramento. Now comes a festering prison crisis that could ultimately prompt federal intervention unless he cleans up the mess.
Schwarzenegger got off to a good start last week when he appointed a commission, headed by former Gov. George Deukmejian, to investigate California's prison system and recommend changes.
While most of the panel's work will be done by Joseph Gunn, former director of the Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners, the commission gains instant credibility in light of Deukmejian's tough-on-crime credentials. A former prosecutor, the "Iron Duke," as he was known, helped transform California's prison system, the largest in the nation, during his eight years as governor.
Gunn gained considerable respect for cracking down on the Ramparts Division of the Los Angeles Police Department, where renegade officers planted evidence, framed suspects and covered up unjustified shootings. He and his fellow panel members will probe the state's youth and adult penal system and try to break the code of silence that has thwarted prior investigations and reform efforts.
This sinister code is hindering an investigation by the Kings County District Attorney's Office into the bleeding death of an inmate at Corcoran State Prison. A 58-year-old kidney dialysis patient died in his cell after his repeated cries for help were ignored. Many of the 40 guards, who initially agreed to cooperate with the probe, have clammed up on the advice of their union attorney. Although none of the guards is a suspect, all are refusing to answer questions.
Gunn, who understands this belligerent mind-set, has no illusions about a quick fix. He freely acknowledges it will take time to change the calcified corrections culture where many guards consider themselves as an entity unto themselves. That culture has been reinforced by the union's political clout which, according to a former inspector general, can influence policy decisions and decide warden assignments.
The state's $5 billion corrections department overspent its budget by nearly $500 million this year. That's largely because of an overly generous contract agreed to by former Gov. Gray Davis, which has resulted in stratospheric overtime costs for guards. Little wonder Schwarzenegger noted during his announcement of the panel's formation that it has been far too long since the prison "system has undergone a fundamental review of its operations."
The comprehensive review will be wide-ranging, including a hard look at whether California needs all 33 of its prisons in light of projections forecasting a significant drop in the inmate population this year. Once the commission makes its recommendations, Gov. Schwarzenegger must move aggressively to implement the reforms he deems necessary to clean up one of the world's largest penal systems.
Davis was a puppet of the prison unions.
I guess we'll find out if Arnold is real tough or movie tough.
Section 1. Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.
Section 2. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.
Okay. Prisoners can be considered slaves. Make them work.
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