On June 21 Reentry Central posted The Iron Cage, an article by Professor Jonathan Simon, in which he wrote that despite a recent New York Times article depicting federal halfway houses in New Jersey as having little control over federal inmates assigned to them, halfway houses are a much needed solution to overcrowded prisons and a tool for successful community reentry. Simons related that those sent to federal halfway houses are days or months away from completing their sentences. Simon was not the only person impacted by the Times article. Apparently New Jersey Senator Frank R. Lautenberg also read the story and was concerned enough to fire off a letter to Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Director Charles Samuels, Jr. which is reprinted below:
Dear Director Samuels:
In the wake of extremely disturbing news reports detailing high rates of escapes and dangerous conditions, I write regarding my deep concerns about the security at halfway houses and similar residential reentry facilities across the United States. I ask that the Federal Bureau of Prisons conduct a thorough review of its contracts with these houses to ensure the safety of residents in surrounding communities and the workers and inmates at the facilities themselves.
The New York Times recently conducted a 10-month investigation of New Jersey halfway houses. The investigation exposed alarming numbers of escapes from these facilities, endangering local communities in my state. Some of these escapes have led to horrific crimes against innocent people in New Jersey. Furthermore, the investigation detailed rampant violence and drug use in the facilities, repeated instances of violent criminals being assigned to these centers, understaffed and untrained workers, and unmet promises of rehabilitation and support services. In addition, the report revealed very little oversight of the halfway houses, which continue to receive large government contracts.
It is my understanding that the Federal Bureau of Prisons contracts with residential reentry centers like those discussed in the New York Times investigation, including one facility in New Jersey. While the goals of reentry programs are commendable, I am troubled that the implementation of these programs puts residents, staffers, and local communities at risk.
I request that the Federal Bureau of Prisons carefully examine its contracts with companies that provide reentry services and investigate the conditions at these facilities to ensure they are safe and secure. Thank you for your assistance on this pressing matter.
Sincerely,
Frank R. Lautenberg
Dangerous criminals escaping from halfway houses are a legitimate concern. Most of the escapees, however, are not violent, just desperate for freedom, and admittedly stupid for absconding when freedom is most likely merely weeks away. But, some escapees have committed grave crimes when they fled, including an allegedly mentally ill inmate who killed his ex-girlfriend. Lautenberg wants answers as to why NJ halfway houses are not secure to prevent more tragedies like this from happening.
Another reason for escapes may be may be that some privatized halfway houses in NJ are huge buildings, one of which houses 1,200 individuals. Governor Christie, according to the Times, has close ties with Community Education, the company that is a major player in private halfway houses in NJ. Lautenberg hopes that the BOP will launch its own investigation in the hope that security problems will be discovered and corrected.
The Times reports that 10,000 people pass through the doors of halfway houses in NJ each year. The majority of them do not escape, yet the public rarely hears about that. It is only when a major media source does a sensationalistic article on the small number of individuals who are threats to the community escape that politicians take notice. Hopefully, examining the privately run halfway houses will provide answers to how the facilities can be made safer, and better, and not ignore the fact that the majority of inmates languishing in warehouse-sized halfway houses are not security threats and are deserving of more support to increase their chances of success when they walk through the door, legally.
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