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Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013 | 3:32 p.m.
CARSON CITY — Gov. Brian Sandoval’s proposal to merge Nevada’s parole division with the prison system got a rugged reception Tuesday from legislators who said they didn’t see any savings or improved services for inmates.
Assembly Speaker Marilyn Kirkpatrick, D-North Las Vegas, said she was “a little bit skeptical” and complained she was not getting enough answers from Greg Cox, the director of the state Department of Corrections.
Cox testified to a joint Assembly-Senate budget subcommittee that there is a “disconnect” between the state Parole and Probation Division and the prison system.
Parole officers don’t come to the prison to prepare inmates for release, Cox said. The goal is to ready prisoners for their return to society so they don’t become repeat offenders.
But subcommittee Chairman David Bobzien, D-Reno, said the Parole and Probation Division already has a release unit. “I’m trying to understand how this improves that,” he said. “It sounds to me the services are already in place.”
Kirkpatrick questioned whether Cox would return later and ask for more officers. He said he would not and that the realignment is cost neutral.
But Kirkpatrick said the realignment “needs a lot more work.”
Cox defended the merger, saying Nevada is one of a few states not providing services to ready inmates for return to the streets.
Sandoval’s proposal also ran into stiff opposition from the Nevada State Law Enforcement Officers’ Association, which said the plan “has very significant costs, a lack of any proven efficiencies and major public safety issues.”
President Ron Cuzze said the merger would open the door for future governors to turn over probation functions to the counties.
The mission of one of these agencies is to keep people in prison. The mission of the other is to supervise those who have been released from prison. And some "political genius" wants to combine the two?????
Worst idea ever! Calfornia did this for decades, state parole was part of the prison system. Parole agents repeatedly violated offenders for very small technical violations and returned them in prison for months. It made no sense except if you look at it in terms of job security for corrections employees. California just turned that system on it's head and now has about 80% of offenders supervised by County probation- so far the results are good. They are being monitored by folks whose interest is in keeping them out of prison, not sending them back
Clearly, Nevada Lawmakers should be "skeptical" and tread carefully with this proposed plan. There may be possible conflicts of interests, and just because California is doing it, does not make it a good idea for Nevada. A complete survey of what other states are doing, the costs and benefits, would be the way to go before proceeding.
Where's Bradley Chapline on this matter? He would definitely have something to say!
Blessings and Peace,
Star