Text of letter sent to Gov. Taft, legislators regarding prison overcrowding

October 24, 2006

Governor Bob Taft
30th Floor
77 South High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215-6117

Dear Governor Taft:

We again write to you about our concerns over the situation in Ohio’s prisons.

As we noted in our August letter to you, the prison population is increasing and nothing appears to be changing in this pattern.

According to the most recent statistics (source: “September 2006 Facts”) from the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, the total inmate population has now increased to 47,026 and is now the highest level since 2000.

We understand that DRC has reopened some existing units to relieve some of the overcrowding. While it appears that the net number of available beds has increased, we have received reports that other units had to be closed to offset costs.

The re-opening of these units has also occurred while the understaffing problems have been ignored. It is ‘pennywise and pound foolish’ to address one side of the problem while ignoring the other.

Indeed, the inmate-to-correction officer ratio has slightly worsened. In August, it was 6.61:1, but the recent figures put the ratio at 6.62:1. Again, this benchmark is approaching pre-Lucasville riot levels.

It appears that your Administration is still not seeking additional funding to alleviate the situation. We understand the political importance of you advocating further tax cuts, but we feel that it is short-sighted at best, and dangerous at worst, for you not to seek to provide more tangible funding assistance to the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.

The situation is just as explosive as when we first wrote, we have been disappointed in the lack of response from your office. Leadership and corrective action is required immediately. We are still committed to working with your administration in a cooperative manner.

Thank you for taking the time to consider our thoughts. Please accept our best regards.

Sincerely,

(the letter was signed by Alexander and Douglas)

Ronald C. Alexander                        Andy Douglas
President                                            Executive Director

CC:  Jon Husted, Speaker, Ohio House of Representatives
        Bill Harris, President, Ohio Senate
        Terry Collins, Director, Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction
        OCSEA Board of Directors
        Tim Shafer, Corrections Assembly President
        OCSEA Corrections Chapter Presidents
                                                         

RCA:AD:pw

See Related

Union again warns governor of prison problems

Corrections officers picketed in Lima