Why is this? Why would anyone choose to be locked up in a cage, surrounded by the same sex and ordered about by a proverbial babysitter time and again? For years, finger-pointing has deadlocked analysts.

Do you want the truth?

In addition to being an author and freelance writer, I have worked very closely with Maryland’s prison system for the past 10 years. As a bail bondsman, I have seen why the door of jail revolves.

An arrestee’s access to freedom is far too immediate and convenient. It seldom, if ever, poses any financial discomfort to the accused. Their “one call” is typically made to tug at the heartstrings of loved ones, who frantically scrape together resources to post bond. I have seen money orders, previously made payable to a utility company, altered to become payable to a bail bondsman. These instances multiply during family-oriented holidays, such as Christmas and Thanksgiving.

Defendants become eligible for release almost immediately after being formally advised of the charges against them and their rights. A determination can also be made to release the defendant on personal recognizance when no bail is necessary. The decision comes from a district court commissioner during a brief hearing.

Another serious problem, particularly in Baltimore City, is the court’s excessive application of leniency. Apparently you literally have to commit murder to get any significant jail time in this town — and even that’s questionable.

The purpose of prison is to punish and rehabilitate. It does neither. Criminal rehabilitation begins with a transformation of the mind. When a judge finally sends a criminal to prison, he is detached from reality. Completely supported by the state, his days are structured, his stomach is fed and his lights are on.

For this reason, it is not uncommon for a released offender to meet with difficulty while they are readjusting to “civilization.” Since conventional survival methods are unnecessary on the inside, many return with the mentality that the world owes them something. A fresh releasee, when seeking financial assistance, will typically begin a sentence with, “You know I just came home.”

News flash: The completion of jail time does NOT come with a severance package. But what are they really coming home to? Rent, gas and electric bills, child support? All the things they were shielded from in state custody. Now comes a critical crossroad — are they to sink or swim? Man up, or go back to where things make sense?

How can we begin to modify the thought patterns of repeat offenders and improve the quality of their lives?

• The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services should implement mandatory psychiatric evaluations by a licensed professional for any arrestee sentenced to six months or longer. Should the evaluation reveal the need for ongoing treatment of the arrestee, such treatment should also become mandatory.
• With many of Maryland’s roads in disrepair, every able-bodied inmate should be put to work on a daily basis, performing some form of public service. They should be modestly compensated, but all earnings should be deferred until their release date. That way a releasee has the benefit of a financial head start, significantly reducing the pressure and disparity of being flat broke and just out of jail.
• A post-release, community-service-based work pool should be established and maintained by the state of Maryland, catering to those sincerely desiring a new lease on life.

It honestly does not take too much for discouragement, financial responsibility and frustration to precipitate an illegal act for fast cash.

It is not a rumor that employers avoid applicants with a less-than-perfect criminal record. Truthfully, can you blame them? Do you really want to reprimand a man convicted of homicide for tardiness? Think about it.

Valdez V. Fisher Jr. is a youth motivationalist and the author of “I Ain’t Bitin’ My Tongue,” available at Amazon.com. E-mail him at [email protected].

Just the facts

The jail system

There are 30 jail facilities in Maryland’s 23 counties with a rated capacity of 13,670 inmates.

The prison system

The Division of Correction (Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services) operates 27 facilities, has 7,272 staff and manages 22,316 inmates.

The community corrections system

The Division of Parole and Probation supervises 75,698 probationers and 14,351 parolees. The division has approximately 1,100 employees.

For more information, visit the National Institute of Corrections here: www.nicic.org/Features/StateStats/?State=MD