June 12, 2013
CP 24 – Canadian Press
‘Shocking’ stories of jail brutality revealed in report
Ontario Ombudsman Andre Morin has released a 168 page report – THE CODE – on jail house brutality condoned by a code of silence. The report is introduced by a 20 minute video (English and French used) and there is a link to the full text of the report. The text version has an executive summary from p.p. 6 – 11. 45 Recommendations are found on pp. 126- 134 http://www.cp24.com/shocking-stories-of-jail-brutality-revealed-in-report-1.1321204 Ombudsman’s Home web page: http://www.ombudsman.on.ca/Home.aspx Full report in pdf format: http://www.ombudsman.on.ca/Investigations/SORT-Investigations/Completed/The-Code.aspx Related article: Toronto Star – Kamila Hinkson Ontario ombudsman says jail staff committing ‘brazen acts of violence’ http://www.thestar.com/news/queenspark/2013/06/11/ontario_ombudsman_says_jail_staff_committing_brazen_acts_of_violence.html Related article: CBC News Toronto Ontario ombudsman slams jail abuse ‘code of silence’ http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/story/2013/06/11/ottawa-ontario-ombudsman-jail-abuse-report.html
Psyche Central – Rick Nauert PhD, Senior News Editor
Treatment of Mental Illness Saves Your Taxpayer Dollars
The authors suggest that people with mental illness like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder are disproportionately represented in conflict with the law. But says co-author of the report Sarah Desmarais of North Carolina State, “Our research shows that people receiving medication were significantly less likely to be arrested… Outpatient services also resulted in a decreased likelihood of arrest.” http://psychcentral.com/news/2013/06/11/treatment-of-mental-illness-saves-your-taxpayer-dollars/55890.html Related article: Newswire Treatment of Mental Illness Lowers Arrest Rates, Saves Money http://www.newswise.com/articles/treatment-of-mental-illness-lowers-arrest-rates-saves-money
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) : Yahoo News
Marijuana Arrests Are Racist, Cost Billions
Advocates who welcomed liberalizing marijuana laws in Washington and Colorado may still have quite a battle with the federal government which appears still determined to enforce the marijuana drug laws. ACLU says that, according to the statistics on arrests, the enforcement is also racist and may be worse than the numbers suggest. http://news.yahoo.com/aclu-marijuana-arrests-racist-cost-billions-154206515.html
Washington Times – Jennifer Harper
Index: U.S. among nations less likely to pursue peace
The Global Peace Index examines countries according to a list of 22 indicators. “The study notes that the U.S. “continues to score weakly” (100 of 162) compared to Canada (7), citing America’s large jail population and sizable homicide rate, a “large and active” military and nuclear capabilities. Curiously, China ranks 101, immediately after the US and Papua New Guinea is ranked at 99. http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/jun/11/index-us-among-nations-less-likely-to-pursue-peace/#ixzz2W0ms5CvF
Sydney Morning Herald (Australia) – Daniel Flitton
Refugee family free as ASIO assessment overturned
The Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) has the legal right to secrecy in its assessment of the terrorist threat level from refugees. In this case, the entire family, including a baby boy born in detention three years previously, were held on “a clerical error” and just ordered released by the High Court. http://www.smh.com.au/national/refugee-family-free-as-asio-assessment-overturned-20130612-2o4vq.html
Enterprise News.com (Massachusetts) – Dr. Elizabeth Englander
Bullying Bulletin Board: Is summer a bullying-free time for kids?
The director of the Massachusetts Aggression Reduction Center at Bridgewater State University says a resounding no! She suggests that parents can expect more cyberbullying during the summer months, not less. http://www.enterprisenews.com/archive/x373360216/Bullying-Bulletin-Board-Is-summer-a-bullying-free-time-for-kids#ixzz2W0yUO0P6