Can some legal beagle, explain to me why convicted prisoners can not be gainfully employed to pick up garbage? It is done in many other provinces and cities, but clearly not here. Maybe there is a program in place, but it is pretty low key…and they are doing a very poor job. They can also get the kids out of “juvie” while they are at it, and have them pitch in cleaning off the graffiti. I do realize it would most likely mean having to cut back on a few hours of watching TV, but I’m sure if you don’t schedule the walks during prime time, they will be grateful for the time out of the institution. I remember seeing groups of prisoners in B.C. Alberta and Ontario, walking along the ditches picking garbage. None had chains on or looked miserable. I am not talking about maximum security, high risk offenders here.
—Flyingbrick
This article appears in Apr 30 – May 6, 2009.
I agree (for once)
I agree too. I’m going to guess that money will be cited as the reason for not doing it.
I’m pretty sure they already pay someone to do it – and it’s probably a union thing. You only have to pay prisoners like half of minimum wage. (I could be dead wrong on both these points, so if anyone knows the actual facts, please share)
Haha “unionized garbage picker uppers”…probably make $20/hr with benefits!!
i agree in principle OP, to get them doing something worthwhile. However, our prison system here in NS already has issues with keeping prisoners detained as it is. if you remember over the last little while the mistaken release of numerous inmates. to have our butterfingered penal system overseeing workgangs in our neighborhoods, kinda scares me.
i think with the young offenders act / privacy act, our wonderful youth can not be seen as jailbirds. At least thats what the complaint would be
John’s use of the word ‘butterfinger’ just made me hungry.
Otherwise, I agree.
Keep your hands off my Butterfinger. LOL.
And don’t forget that wonderful Human Rights Act.
You can’t take jobs away from the unemployed. Oh, that’s obvious isn’t it? Strike that.
How ’bout:…..If there aren’t enough guards to handle the prisoners inside the walls of a prison, how could it possibly work outside in the free litter??
If we did that, we’d socially demean them and then they’d be even more scarred, driving them further into feelings of inadequacy. How can a prisoner regain some self-respect when he’s working?
That’s what some a-hole at City Hall (or Sussex Drive) would say, anyway.
To all of the above..yes. When you point out how it has been successful all over this country and the world in general, they will find a way to not offend prisoners here. Years ago, they did an in depth investigation in B.C. when human rights activists deemed cleaning up the environment by prisoners was demeaning and cruel and unusual. Well, it kinda backfired when the prisoners were interviewed. Turns out, they were grateful to get out of the prison and into the countryside (they do not do downtown cores (see above union comment) , and also earn *points* towards other privileges back in the prison. There was an actual waiting list to get on these “enviro-details”.
They also had an option to cover their faces with a bandanna if they wished. A few did the first few days, then quickly realized, no one really cared who they were.
It’s too bad we trolls at LTWWB don’t have a bit more influence. Collectively we’re full of good ideas and info.
No good talking to MLAs and the political ilk, they’re gonna be too busy licking ass for the next month and saying yes to everything they hear.
“…human rights activists deemed cleaning up the environment by prisoners was demeaning and cruel and unusual. “
Ha ha what a crock. So, when school kids go on spring clean-ups it’s fine. When unionized city workers clean up crap it’s OK. But if a prisoner does it, it’s a human rights abuse? No logic in that one. As long as the prisoners can volunteer for it and/or get compensated in some way (pay or privileges) I think it’s a great idea.
I agree it should be done. volunteer for privileges
I can think of a few places that need anyone to clean up litter. Lake Major Rd comes to mind as a major one.
I think the argument someone posted (I’m too lazy to scroll up ok, deal with it) about not wanting offenders roaming around in their neighbourhoods because of all the mistaken releases lately, blahblah is moot. The OP isn’t talking about serious offenders (and all of the mistaken prisoners released or that guy who got away I believe were violent/serious offenders) he/she’s referring to those in min/med security lock up. Maybe get some of the women at the spa up Truro way to take time out of their busy getting their hair done and getting manicures schedule to pick up some fucking garbage.
Fuck. Prisoners get treated better than your average joe walkin’ the streets police-record-free ffs.
The food’s good too!
Psss, Coast web page guy, the fucking edit function don’t work!