I enjoyed the recent (Aug. 8) article in The AFRO on the closing of the Baltimore City Jail. I worked there from 1977 (as Director of Offender Aid and Restoration) – until retirement in 2010.
Gov. Hogan’s announcement that he will close the Jail- and which part will be closed?- was a nice sound bite. But, given the problems that plagued the jail–smuggling, corruption, violence, poor representation of inmates, health issues–one has to wonder what changes will be made.
We have a criminal “in”justice system that discriminates against the poor. It is a class system. The inmates cannot vote- and thus will not be represented. How will a new jail address this? I predict cosmetic changes only; the system will continue and could even be worse.
Neither Gov. Hogan nor the media really covers the deeper issues- and any jail or prison merely provides entertainment for TV series- such as The Wire or Orange is the New Blackboth series that I enjoy and recommend.
As to real solutions? Hello.