Fund treatment and housing, not a new jail

To the Editor;

Penobscot County’s commissioners want to build a new and bigger jail. Jails are not effective places for people to heal and improve their lives. Generally, it just doesn’t work that way. Despite clear research showing that jails don’t make communities safer, the county commissioners appear determined to ask taxpayers for tens of millions of dollars to build a new jail.

Whether in Penobscot County, or elsewhere in Maine or the U.S., we know what works to reduce crime and to help people to heal — investments in treatment for substance use and co-occurring disorders, housing with support services, and restorative justice practices.

I believe that commissioners have ignored the jail’s documented culture crisis and the harms that have occurred. The effects are felt not only by incarcerated individuals, but also their innocent, impacted families and communities, and even the facility staff. Commissioners seemingly ignore the documented inadequacy of Maine courts and indigent legal services in protecting vulnerable families.  

Take action now to protect Maine families, email the commissioners. 

Janet Drew

Member

Maine Prisoner Advocacy Coalition 

Parole4Maine

York