There are better alternatives to a new Penobscot County Jail

To the Editor;

On March 24, No Penobscot County Jail Expansion held a community classroom about the proposal for a larger jail in Penobscot County. Speakers argued that incarceration does not improve long-term public safety because it often fails to address root causes such as addiction, poverty, and mental illness. 

Doug Dunbar and Bre Bear shared personal experiences of how addiction and untreated mental health struggles led to incarceration. As Bre reflected, “there were moments that I reflect on and think no one should ever have to feel what I felt or see what I saw.” They emphasized that jail may temporarily remove people from the community, but without treatment, many people return to the same struggles after release. 

Presenters also discussed inequalities in the legal system. Peter Lehman explained that people arrested in Penobscot County are more likely to remain jailed before trial, receive harsher sentences, and reoffend than those in other counties. Speakers also highlighted racial disparities, noting that Black individuals are incarcerated at significantly higher rates than white individuals. 

Community members stressed that even short jail stays can lead to lost housing, jobs, treatment access, and family stability. They argued that a new jail, estimated to cost more than $80 million plus interest, could raise property taxes by 13% to 50%.

Instead, the group proposed a diversion plan focused on treatment, housing, and mental health care. Supporters argued that investing in diversion instead of a new jail could reduce repeat offenses, lower taxes, and improve public safety. Learn more at nojailexpansion.com.

Lauren Etzel

Orono