Jan. 5, 2013
Winnipeg Free Press – John Longhurst
In pursuit of true justice
The peace and good will of Christmas comes alive in this outreach involving Arlette Zinck, an associate professor in English at King’s College (Edmonton) and Omar Kadhr. The relationship between the two goes back to 2002. http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/life/faith/in-pursuit-of-true-justice-238687371.html
Metroland Media Inside Halton (ON) – David Lea
Halton police still seeking resident input on priorities
The police services have defined a series of goals and are asking for community input. Keeping a low crime rate and improving the crime prevention community responses are top among the objectives. http://www.insidehalton.com/news-story/4298612-halton-police-still-seeking-resident-input-on-priorities Related article: Digital Journal – Community Satisfaction Survey helps OPP assess service to Ontarians http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/1664371#ixzz2pY2V6Jig
Chronicle Herald (Halifax, NS) – Editorial
Addressing income gap between CEOs, employees
Referencing the Conference Board of Canada and the Economist, the editorial joins with Economist Joseph Stiglizt who suggests that besides the obvious disparity between the wealthy and middle / lower income, the gap hurts the economy. http://thechronicleherald.ca/editorials/1177070-editorial-addressing-income-gap-between-ceos-employees
Star Tribune (MN) – Paul McEnroe
State is sued in death of Lino Lakes prison inmate
Three nurses and two prison officials have been named in a lawsuit against the state filed in federal court over the death of David Picard who was weeks away from sentence expiry when struck by a respiratory infection that was complicated by other health issues. Picard was denied medical attention on the grounds that he sought too much medical care in a state where the medical services are rationed. Picard sought medical help five times over three days. http://www.startribune.com/local/east/238737151.html
San Bernardino Champion (US) –
Vote allows immigration status to be factor for serious crimes only
The California municipality has decided to end the detention of undocumented immigrants unless there is an issue of serious crime. The practice in most places is to verify with ICE if there is an immigration issue and if so to hold the individual in detention for ICE. http://www.championnewspapers.com/articles/2014/01/04/news/doc52c72604c49a7211088520.txt Related article: UT-San Diego (US) – Gary Warth Battle Forms over New Law on Detention of Migrants – State’s TRUST Act limits scope of federal powers http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/jan/04/tp-battle-forms-over-new-law-on-detention-of Related article: WNPR News – New Protocols Take Effect in Connecticut for Immigration Detention Requests http://wnpr.org/post/new-protocols-take-effect-connecticut-immigration-detention-requests
The Guardian (UK)
The government has announced an extra £25 million to fund the 12 month scheme
While not entirely unknown, this decision at least recognizes the mix between crime and mental health. The UK will fund the presence of mental health nurses in the police precincts. “The pilot mental health “liaison and diversion” teams will help officers to respond to calls and identify those with problems.” http://www.guardian-series.co.uk/news/10914438.Mental_health_nurses_to_be_placed_in_police_stations
STV News (Scotland)
Twenty-eight prisoners took their own lives in last three years
A further 61 inmates attempted suicide in that same three year period. Of the total suicides only two of the 28 were on the suicide preventions watch list. Critics say staff must learn to identify early warning signs. Health care of inmates seems to be the responsibility of the National Health Services. http://news.stv.tv/politics/258842-lib-dems-voice-mental-health-concerns-over-prison-suicides
Zehr Institute (Eastern Mennonite University)
Where are the gaps? We need your help
This is an appeal by Howard Zehr , a longtime leader in the field of RJ, for some help to define the gaps currently in the various RJ approaches to both social relationships and criminal justice. Response comments may be helpful to clarifying your own thoughts on the RJ gaps. http://emu.edu/now/restorative-justice/2014/01/03/where-are-the-gaps-we-need-your-help
Calamari Productions (US)
Young kids, hard times – Director’s cut
A powerful documentary involving the US practice of sentencing youth to life in prison. The documentary tracks the lived experience of several such youth. The US Supreme Court has recently declared the practice unconstitutional but there remains a large number of youth, approximately 10,000, already sentenced and state law makers are offering variations on the theme to cope. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3lw6PMjj40
Florida Times Union (US) – Dan McCarthy
Guest column: Civil citations can save money, serve justice
Here’s novel idea from a former prosecutor: Why not distinguish between serious crime and immature behaviour from the very beginning of police involvement? Between malice aforethought violence and first time non-violence? Minor alcohol offences by youth? The suggestions are predicated on saving tax payers money but there are other redeeming factors as well. http://members.jacksonville.com/opinion/premium-opinion/2014-01-03/story/guest-column-civil-citations-can-save-money-serve-justice