Amazing how the authorities can 'redefine' any situation to suit their often careless decisions. How can the spokesperson say there is no danger without reviewing each inmate's case file and psychological history. The very REASON people are incarcerated is to separate them from the law-abiding population while they serve their sentence.
Jeeze.
How about you find out the criteria for getting on the work gang before you start spouting off about just how dangerous a situation the Sheriff is creating?
Look at
http://www.topix.com/county/saginaw-mi/2011/06/inmates-clean-park-during-school-field-trip
Inmate work crews were established by Sheriff Federspiel to have those incarcerated on minor offenses work within our community to give back to the residents of Saginaw County by Cleaning up roadsides, ditches, parks and other public areas upon request. The work crews have assisted with Habitat for Humanity as well as other non-profit organizations.
I can't say for certain that the inmates assigned to work crews will not do something violent when outside the jail on a work crew assignment. It's happened before in lots of jurisdictions even with the best screening and prior good track records of the inmate. But it does not sound like the Sheriff is willy-nilly sending violent offenders out into the community.
Having been in charge of selecting inmates for community work programs and work release programs for VA DOC I can tell you that both criminal and psychological records are reviewed, as well as reports on behavior in prison/jail before the inmate became eligible for the program, let alone selected to participate. I'm willing to wager that there is a similar review process in Saginaw, MI.
As for the parents, I'd like to know why they are not worried about, for example, all the cars zipping along beside the park that could crash into their children - especially if driven by some deranged person bent on hurting others. Or about someone's pet dog breaking loose and savagly attacking the children. Or an airplane falling out of the sky on top of the children. Or a tree falling over and killing or maiming a child. Those are all things that
have happened in the past, and
could happen again. But no, the parents key in on inmates who are under direct supervision, have a lot to lose if they screw up, and are probably close to their release date anyhow.
Thinbk about it.
stay safe.
