JAIL: There's a better way

Please, would someone with common sense step forward and define the true issue in this discussion of more jail space being required. Instead of more jail space at atrocious cost, we need a revision of the judicial system. If effort and thought were given as to the appropriate treatment for mental illness and drug rehabilitation, we would markedly reduce the need for more jail space.

I called someone at the Kootenai County jail and inquired about the cost per day per inmate. I was told that it is about $100 per day. Could you imagine what an improvement to our society would result if we committed those funds per individual to rehabilitation purposes?

If you thought you would be bored by watching grass grow, equivalent to that is to observe the judicial system in action. One of the most common terms in the judicial system is “to be continued.” This is a result of the combination of lack of preparation by attorneys and the judges’ lack of using their authority to promote better efficiency, thereby reducing extended stays of inmates in the jail system.

By increasing the focus of appropriate therapy for inmates and an increase in judicial efficiency, there would be a marked increase in financial savings and less requirement for jail space.

WILLIAM TARNASKY, M.D., J.D.

Hayden