DOC wasting taxpayer money

I help Washington Department of Corrections offenders with rehabilitation. I also speak on their behalf when no one else is available. My goal is to reduce recidivism.

Sometimes when I speak on the behalf of an offender the DOC retaliates. Recently I was accused of delivering contraband to a DOC facility. What I find disturbing is I was sanctioned for introducing the contraband while the lackadaisical DOC security shared no responsibility. With the current system, anyone can introduce contraband into a DOC facility legally.

The DOC needs to move away from punitive rehabilitation and move toward a more effective solution by applying individual psychological rehabilitation. DOC personnel need more effective training and accountability. The offenders and their loved ones should not be forced to take the punishment for the DOC negligence.

The DOC is wasting taxpayer money by harvesting repeat offenders and promoting crime and misconduct within its facilities. If the public knew what abuse of authority went on in the DOC, they might demand a change of leadership. It is far less costly to keep people out of prison than to keep returning them to prison.

Not all offenders can be rehabilitated, but most can. Washington deserves to have more productive rehabilitated tax paying citizens. Time to set the example and not follow it.

Joel Wilborn

Spokane