I’ll admit it. I have no idea what goes on in State Prisons, county jails, or local lock ups. And I plan to keep it that way. But two weeks ago I met the Sheriff of Bristol County Massachusetts and I was inspired. Sheriff Thomas Hodgson has a few idea that remind me of my visit with Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Maricopa County Arizona (here and here); a willingness to make incarceration just that. More like punishment, less like a gated country club.
Upon assuming the role of High Sheriff of Bristol County, Sheriff Hodgson immediately set out to implement his goals for corrections reform, public safety and raising the standards for the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office. He instituted structured disciplines for the inmate population and expanded the work release programs.
Approximately three years ago Sheriff Hodgson gained international attention when he instituted the Tandem Work Crew, a strictly voluntary program for medium security inmates. While initially controversial, the Tandem Work Crews continue to work in communities throughout the County. He banned tobacco products for staff and inmates, removed televisions from cells, and donated weight-lifting equipment to police departments and the local Boys and Girls Club. In July of 2002, in an attempt to offset severe budget cuts, Sheriff Hodgson instituted a $5.00 cost-of-care fee that every inmate is charged for each day they are incarcerated. Programs affording educational opportunities, spiritual assistance and vocational aptitude have expanded at the House of Correction.
Prisoners should not have cable television, weights, or any creature comforts at all.
Inspiration comes in strange places. Dots connect, ideas coalesce, thoughts combine. These kinds of events are most common for me in circumstances where it is almost impossible to write them down. I often get revelations driving and have to pull over to write them down. But the other morning it was in the shower.