"Our state has over 30 publicly-run prisons. There is no reason our sentencing and criminal justice policies should lead to a higher population than those facilities can contain'"
-K. Ellis
6. As the future chair of the California Democratic Party how do you plan to deal with the corruption that takes place in California’s privatized prisons?
In short, as Chair I would work to end the use of private prisons to house those sentenced by the California Courts. Our state has over 30 publicly-run prisons. There is no reason our sentencing and criminal justice policies should lead to a higher population than those facilities can contain. For example, approximately 40% of California’s current population are in need of treatment for mental health issues or chemical dependency. As Chair, I would advocate policies to end the use of incarceration as an alternative to the community-based treatment these people need.
In addition, we should work to bring all prisoners currently housed out-of-state back to California where they can maintain relationships with family and friends. It’s not only the humane thing to do, but it’s also by far the most effective way to limit recidivism.
7.Are you aware of any legislation pertaining to privatized prisons and the high rate of recidivism?
While there are several pieces of pending legislation that deal with important issues around our public prison system (in particular the issue of visitors’ access), I am not aware of any current bill that takes on the issue of privatized prisons in the comprehensive way I would like.
In the meantime, it’s important to continue raising awareness of the injustices perpetrated by for-profit prisons, and to partner with community members and local organizations to reduce our inmate population and expand access to services that reduce recidivism. One group I’ve been particularly impressed with is the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, which is doing amazing work to advocate for restorative justice and to break the cycle of poverty and incarceration.
Information on the Privatization of Prisons in the United States
http://www.globalresearch.ca/the-prison-industry-in-the-united-states-big-business-or-a-new-form-of-slavery/8289
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