Should probation and pre-trial services be privatized?
I read a great article in the Florida Today about two companies being the finalist for privatizing the probation department. Brevard County studies privatizing pretrial, probation services the article sounded like it was a done deal. Here is my issue. I think an oversight commission should be in place. That would protect society and also ensure that the probationers are given the best opportunity to change and become productive members of society. The oversight committee needs members like me, a judge, defense lawyer, prosecutor and a business leader. The people I mentioned are involved in some way, but removed in a way as well. Saving money is good but we would save even more if we can keep people out of prison by reducing the recidivism rate. The cost of incarceration is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to probation and pre-trial services.
