The problem is that accountability is all over the place. Some places have independent oversight, while others just rely on their own systems, which can be pretty sketchy. Michele Deitch from the University of Texas pointed out that legislators often depend on corrections officials for information, which isn’t the best way to keep things in check.
Some officials think adding more oversight won’t really fix the core issues. Michael Resnick, the prisons commissioner in Philadelphia, mentioned that the real problems are too many inmates and not enough staff. He testified against a new oversight board, but the City Council still passed the measure. Now, it’s up to voters to decide if they want it.
Last year, 16 states looked at 31 bills related to prison oversight, but only Maryland and Virginia actually set up ombudsman offices. Meanwhile, places like New Jersey and South Dakota are also calling for better oversight due to rising violence and staff shortages.
In Washington, there’s already an independent office for state prisons, but now lawmakers want to create a board to oversee local jails. This board would include a mix of professionals and formerly incarcerated individuals to ensure standards are met.
In Philadelphia, the situation is dire. The jails are facing severe staffing shortages and rising deaths. The City Council is pushing for a new oversight board, but past efforts have been criticized for lacking transparency.
Councilmember Isaiah Thomas is working on this new board, which would include members with prior incarceration experience. The goal is to improve safety for everyone involved. However, Resnick argues that there are already enough oversight layers in place.
In Wisconsin, there’s also a push for an independent ombudsman to address serious issues like violence and deaths in prisons. State Rep. Ryan Clancy is advocating for a system that allows complaints to be handled by someone outside the prison management.
It’s clear that there’s a growing demand for better oversight in prisons across the country. Let’s hope these efforts lead to real change.
