Published: July 03, 2008 11:30 am         

High recidivism rate is evidence justice system is not working

Let me say thank-you to all who participated in the fund-raiser for The Crossing Fresh Start program. Words cannot express the appreciation you deserve. I encourage all of you to continue the awesome work!

Seven-hundred inmates per year returning to this county, with a recidivism rate of 70 percent. These are figures that Capt. Brad Rogers himself has given. That proves our current system is not working, and programs such as these, that offer addictions counseling, job training and family counseling, are long overdue.

Currently, the Department of Corrections is scrambling to try and find room to house the influx of prisoners. Overcrowding is getting worse, because of our current legal system insisting on long term incarceration for non-violent offenses. The largest percentage of these offenders have addictions-related charges.

When our car breaks down, we fix it. When we have a broken window, we replace it. So why is it so hard for us to change what is not working in our justice system?

Studies show that programs that are faith-based have higher success rates. Chaplain Mike Kupke and Capt. Brad Rogers show that they are dedicated to rehabilitation by being involved with such alternatives. I know that I am only one of many here at the county jail who truly appreciates their dedication. Programs such as these, and changes in sentencing guidelines to limit lengthy sentences while providing counseling and rehabilitative services to non-violent offenders, will not only help ease the overcrowding in the DOC, but will also reduce the recidivism rate dramatically. Upon doing this, we then put money back into our pockets by saving millions on incarceration costs.

In the end, even the non-Christian community can understand money, and the thought of saving our tax dollar. We as Christians, on the other hand, must be committed to these faith-based programs, not only because of rising costs of incarceration, but because it is a unique opportunity to help in the salvation of souls.

— Michael Wagner

inmate, Elkhart County Jail