Rebecca Moltz-Sandhu’s Post

As an advocate for my clients (offenders ) whose lives are in the hands of the government and the AR legal system, I believe it's crucial for all attorneys, judges, supervisors, and lawmakers to have a deep understanding of correctional facilities. Not just the surface-level information, but the real, everyday environment that offenders face. By spending time in these facilities, officials can gain insight into the criminal mindset and the struggles of addiction and mental health. It's time to break down the stigma and misconceptions surrounding offenders. Society has painted them all with the same brush, but we know that's not the case. A non-violent addict should not be sentenced the same as someone who committed a heinous crime. It's time for officials to listen and learn from those impacted by their decisions. The Arkansas government's current approach is the definition of insanity: doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. To fix our broken system, we need to start from the bottom and work our way up. Ongoing training in addiction studies and mental health for officials is a must. Let's work together to rebuild our system and provide true rehabilitation for everyone effected and make our communities safe for all Arkansans. Instead of spending money on building another prison and the war on crime/drugs; invest in the citizens of AR including the ones incarcerated. Excessive punishment, longer sentences only keeps parents away from their children and the foster system full. People that you lock up can adapt but their children and family members can’t; those are the ones who suffer. So all that money you waist every day keeping people incarcerated, spend it on helping them get better, spend it on housing, education, job training, programs, etc. Think outside the box!

There are many Weld County employees who make a positive impact regarding the safety of residents. Here are some stats from last year in recognition of National County Government Month. To learn more about county government, visit https://lnkd.in/gT-fRwMd. #NationalCountyGovernmentMonth #BytheNumbers2023 #PublicSafety #WeldCounty National Association of Counties Image: Infographic showing 2023 Public Safety numbers. Text reads: 2,347 arrests made by the Sheriff's Office; 147,605 E-911 calls taken by dispatch; 592 average daily population at Weld County jail; 261 autopsies performed; 787 coroner cases (reviewed and investigated); and 9,291 prisoners booked into the Weld County jail.

Check out today’s new article on the new jail funding debate that features a quote from CCE’s Executive Director Misty Thomas Zaleski and references our Task Force work. CCE established the District Task Force on Jails & Justice five years ago, bringing together an interdisciplinary group of leaders who all agreed that a new jail was long overdue, while also recognizing that a jail is only one part of a just and equitable criminal legal system. Initially we were heartened by the District’s budgetary investment and steps to replace the jail with a new facility whose structure and programs would promote safety, health, and rehabilitation. Unfortunately, over the last year, the publicly available details about the plans being developed have been limited and have not involved much, if any, community engagement. The high level plans that have recently been shared by the Administration do not get us close enough to a facility that would actually replace CDF, which currently houses more than 1,300 people in substandard, dangerous conditions. CCE hopes District leaders will move quickly and collaboratively to fully realize this objective of replacing our crumbling, unsafe jail. We also believe that this must be a community-centered project and that those whose lives are most impacted by the jail should be centered in the planning for this new facility. https://lnkd.in/eqYuiZJ6

"Measures to address shoplifting need careful scrutiny." In 2022, more women were imprisoned for theft than for violent, sexual, and robbery offences combined (Bromley Briefings, Prison Reform Trust). Without careful scrutiny, increased criminalisation for shoplifting will lead to more women being imprisoned for addiction or mental health needs. Read more from Prison Reform Trust: https://ow.ly/u8sR50SHreH

JAIL vs PRISON Many People are sure that jail and prison are exactly the same ,so tend to use these trems interchangably . However , the next time you hear someone mean the same thing but say these tow words, do not hesitate to correct them . In fact, jail vs prison though indeed very similar, have their differences. #lawyer #jailer #prison #confinement #lawlife #aar #attorney #locallaw #livelaw #explore . https://lnkd.in/d4H_SvVY

With this final sentencing option, you'll serve your sentence in a correctional facility, like a county jail, state jail, or drug treatment center. Misdemeanors usually mean county jail time, with good-time credits to reduce your stay. Felonies lead to state prison where it's day for day. Parole may be assigned after prison, with rules like staying out of trouble, drug tests, and being employed. Remember, completing your sentence or parole does not mean that the conviction is removed from your record, #BZlaw #criminal law

‼️MYTH‼️ Busting the myth: Not everyone in prison belongs there. Our research reveals that a significant portion of the nationwide prison population—around 39%—is behind bars with little justification for public safety. How did we arrive at this number? Firstly, many inmates, comprising 25% of prisoners, are non-violent, lower-level offenders who would benefit more from alternatives like treatment or community service. Secondly, another 14% have served long sentences for more serious crimes and can be safely released. Releasing these individuals isn’t just a matter of justice; it’s also a smart economic move. It could save a staggering $20 billion annually—enough to employ hundreds of thousands of new police officers, probation officers, or school teachers. Let’s rethink incarceration and focus on effective, humane solutions. 💡 #BeyondBars #SmartJustice #ReformNow

An interesting report from The Centre for Justice Innovation, publishing its 10-point plan following the election. With an initial focus on what needs to be achieved in the first 3 months reducing prison overcrowding and cutting the Crown Court backlog. It is a #ClinkThinks ambition to reduce the prison population 👉https://clinksthinks.com/ Check out the full plan by clicking the link below 👇 https://lnkd.in/eZvx94uT

JACKSON COUNTY MISSOURI IS JAIL POOR AND ILLEGALLY JAIL POOR ACCORDING TO ARTICLE VI, PARAGRAPH 26 (a) OF MISSOURI CONSTITUTION . The Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals should be aware that the teams may need to factor in COUNTY default scenarios because the COUNTY IS BECOMING OVERLOADED WITH DEBT. THE LEGISLATURE CHOSE NOT TO APPLY TRADITIONAL CREDIT MANAGEMENT RATIOS IN DETERMINING HOW MUCH JAIL THE COUNTY COULD AFFORD. WOULD THESE LEGISLATORS USED THESE SAME PRINCIPLES IN MAKING HOUSEHOLD DECISION? IN OTHER WORDS WOULD WANTS OVERRIDE ABILITY TO PAY? Source 2023 Adopted Budget Unadjusted Revenue & Fund Balance. $200,291,811 Subtract American Rescue Plan Funds. 34,950,000 Total Municipal Bond Issue Permissible w/o Voter Approval Article VI Paragraph 26 (a) of MO Constitution. $165,341,811 Non Compliant Bond Issued 5/2023. 273,985,000 Balance Sheet Revenue look Shortage. $108,643,189

Change is required before crisis