Sheriff Saves $1 Million By De-Privatizing County Jail

I like the way Sheriff Joe does it in Arizona where I live. If a person has been convicted and is in the country jail, they serve them the expired baloney and stale bread that has been donated by the grocery stores in the area. They also give them a cup of out dated milk, that is usually soar. Sheriff Joe feeds the prisoners for about 17 cents a day. And when they get out, he presents them with a Bill for $10 a day for every day they've been in his jail. People that get out of Maricopa County Jail, have only one thing on their mind...doing right and living an honest life. Because, they don't ever want to go back there again.

People that get out of Maricopa County Jail, have only one thing on their mind...doing right and living an honest life. Because, they don't ever want to go back there again.

Well....the jury may still be out on this one...(some examples from Wikipedia and similar sources easy to Google if you want more info).


"In 1998, Arpaio commissioned a study, by Arizona State University criminal justice professor Marie L. Griffin, to examine recidivism rates based on conditions of confinement. Comparing recidivism rates under Arpaio to those under his predecessor, the study found "there was no significant difference in recidivism observed between those offenders released in 1989-1990 and those released in 1994-1995."[67]

"As an example, Arpaio spent over $10,000 in tax payer money to have Arizona State University study recidivism in his jail system. ASU found that there was no change in the rate at which inmates returned to the jail. Joe has discounted this study as false and continues to claim that his jail program has reduced crime in the valley."


"In her book on prison policy The Use of Force by Detention Officers, Arizona State University criminal justice professor Marie L. Griffin reported on a 1998 study commissioned by Arpaio to examine recidivism rates based on conditions of confinement. Comparing recidivism rates under Arpaio to those under his predecessor, the study found “there was no significant difference in recidivism observed between those offenders released in 1989-1990 and those released in 1994-1995.” (Strangely enough, Joe himself commissioned this particular study.)

Some stats on that would sure help Joe's case.

Actually, you'd think that would increase recidivism, as well as the extent to which people would resist arrest... Once you're already in the prison system, and have bills and fines to pay - for which you can't get a decent job because of your record - what's the point of ever doing the right thing again?

Still, at least programs like this ensure my company's correctional division always has business, so I suppose I shouldn't complain too much.

Every cloud has a silver lining.... : )

Seriously, good points, Austin. MY....you're having a busy weekend!

There are big money interests who plan to get lots of the state's money. I think the politicians will help them do it.

Indeed they do.

Yes, the corporatization of our government, costing taxpayers billions of dollars, kickbacks to polititians, & no recourse for voters who are captive to their fees & services.

...and that's a tough thing to change.....EXCEPT, oddly enough, at the local levels, where possible. some interesting stories in the past year or so.

thanks for sharing

You betchya!

Extract: Privatization has nothing to do with saving money and everything to do with giving kickbacks to politically connected contractors.

tame: This is a curse that needs to be reversed! I'm glad local authorities are finally beginning to see that!

My view also.

I definitely agree -- privatization always seemed to me like a way to make crime more profitable for businesses, and once you go -that- route...

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Why do liberals hate it when government saves money as opposed to wasting it? Oh yeah that's right.... Because the unions tell them to...

Huh?