NEWS

St. Landry Parish jail helps its inmates in many ways

Bobby J. Guidroz
St. Landry Parish Sheriff

For more than a year, the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office has provided Louisiana State certified classroom instruction to its jail inmates who wish to participate in a high school equivalency education program. The GED program is part of an overall effort to provide rehabilitative opportunities to about 200 inmates of the parish jail. It is one of the only programs of its kind in the state.

In addition to the GEDprogram, inmates may participate in regular counseling meetings for alcohol and drug addiction. Those inmates who wish to take part in any of these programs do so voluntarily. Many men and women have found a new lease on life through these progressive efforts and over time, crime levels in St. Landry Parish should reflect positive change.

The Justice Policy Institute in Washington, D.C., reports thatmore admissions to substance abuse treatment are associated with reductions in crime rates. Admissions to drug treatment increased 37.4 percent and federal spending on drug treatment increased 14.6 percent from 1995 to 2005.

During the same period, violent crime fell 31.5 percent. Further, increased admissions to drug treatment are associated with reduced incarceration rates. Of the 20 states that admit the most people to treatment per 100,000, 19 had incarceration rates below the national average.

Crime rates also change based on access to education. Federal studies indicate that 68 percent of state prison inmates don’t have high school diplomas. Those studies further clarify that a 10 percentage-point increase in graduation rates has historically reduced violent crime rates by approximately 20 percent.

“The programs we offer in our jail are designed to help inmates re-evaluate their choices in life. As a law enforcement professional, I’ve been involved in fighting crime for over 35 years. My experience has made it clear to me that drug addiction, alcohol addiction, and a lack of essential education are major gateways to crime.

I have tried to find a way to close those gates in St. Landry Parish. Jail is tough, these men and women do hard time.

However, it is important that we remain compassionate in our effort to provide an environment beyond just punishment and incarceration. Our goal is to make a real difference in people’s lives. Crime rates in our parish will certainly drop if we can help our inmates get off drugs, get past alcohol addiction, and get a GED.

The above information is intended for information purposes only and not for legal advice. For legal advice, consult an attorney. Questions can be submitted to bguidroz@slpsheriff.com