Pubdate: Mon, 07 Jun 2004 Source: Tennessean, The (TN) Copyright: 2004 The Tennessean Contact: http://www.tennessean.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/447 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/prison.htm (Incarceration) A NEW TAKE ON PRISONS The Bredesen administration is giving the Department of Correction the rehabilitation the system needs. Jim Cosby, the director of the Tennessee Board of Probation and Parole, has been named to a newly created post of assistant commissioner for rehabilitative services. If the administration gives the new position the seriousness it deserves, Tennessee can help its prison space problem and help stop the revolving door that keeps bringing prisoners back behind bars. Tennessee was told four years ago that 43% of its prisoners were parole or probation violators. They left only to return. The news shouldn't have surprised a state that spent only $425,000 a year out of a $400 million budget for pre-release programs. The new position will be especially welcome given the latest news: Crime may be going down in Nashville, Memphis and Knoxville, but Tennesseans wouldn't know it by their prison population, which grew 5% last year. Only Mississippi, South Carolina and West Virginia experienced more growth in prisons among Southeastern states. Tennessee has never been reluctant to address growing prison populations the old-fashion way - with bricks and mortar. Correction spokeswoman Jennifer Johnson has said the state is on target to meet demand with 2,000 additional beds. But in addition to building traditional prisons, the state needs to recognize that most offenders will return to society once they've served their time. Experts have long recommended more drug and alcohol programs, preparation for return to society and classes to develop skills for jobs beyond the prison walls. The new assistant commissioner will be watched closely. Tennessee is long overdue to spend as much attention to overhauling its prison population as it has rehabilitating its walls. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake