Where I Stand — Mike O’Callaghan: Saving lives and dollars

Thursday, Nov. 21, 2002 | 8:19 a.m.

THE COMMITTEE that Gov. Kenny Guinn appointed to study the tax structure and needs caught the attention of both citizens and media. During coming months the results of that study will receive even more publicity and deeper scrutiny. When Guinn's executive budget appears with taxes written into it, the attention will reach a fever pitch.

In October Guinn's Study Committee on Corrections submitted its report, which hasn't caused a ripple on the surface of media and government. Despite this lack of attention the study should be of great concern to every resident of the Silver State. The study has not only identified several serious problems in our correctional system it also makes several suggestions. Will these suggestions cost money? Yes, but in the long run, if accepted, they can save both dollars and lives. The potential savings can be $3,075,961 in annual operating costs and $26,500,000 in total construction savings. This should get the attention of every taxpayer and legislator.

The study gives the reader a "snapshot" of the Nevada Department of Corrections in 2001:

The executive summary of the study points to the overuse of expensive "hard beds" for prisoners who can be in less expensive and more effective programs. The absence of "community corrections" programs and supervision is also noted. Both the lack of programs within the prison and for prisoners released into the community are recognized problems.

The executive summary concludes: "Hard beds will be utilized only for the most serious and long-term offenders. Community supervision is a more economical way to manage non-violent, property or drug offenders.

"With programming resources, Nevada's offenders will improve themselves, earn income and become productive. National research demonstrates that inmates who receive programming while in prison, and guidance and support as they re-enter their communities, are less likely to return to prison.

"Children of inmates are five times more likely to go to prison than are other children. Rehabilitation reverberates into the families of offenders and can keep families off public assistance and keep future generations out of prison.

"Nevada's communities will be safer and our correctional and supervision systems will function more cost-effectively and more efficiently."

Because I have received calls to help released prisoners seeking jobs and had reports of men with no financial help walking the streets, my attention was attracted to the following paragraph from the study:

"While Nevada law gives the Director the authority to release an offender with up to $100 per diem in 'gate money' to get home, with NDOC's current budget there is only $25 daily 'gate money' available for each offender who leaves prison with no savings. Offenders are released wearing one set of 'prison blues' but must return any other prison clothing issued to them while in custody in Nevada. Nevada's inmate clothing budget averages slightly over $33 per offender, per year, after the first issuance of clothing at Intake. In an attempt to augment NDOC's clothing allowances, the Director instituted a 'package policy' permitting offenders' families to send them two packages of clothing and other necessary items per year."

I have only scratched the surface of the study committee's report. It is loaded with pertinent information and suggestions that can correct several problems. Every legislator should read it and take action during their meeting in Carson City next year. Here's their opportunity to save both tax dollars and lives.