March 2, 2018 The Boston Globe Among the factors that most influence recidivism rates among prisoners is their ability to maintain strong family ties. A review of studies found that in-person visits result in a 26 percent reduction in recidivism. The impact is higher for men: They experience a 53 percent decline. Family visits are also correlated […]
Sheriff Hodgson strikes again
August 5, 2017 The Boston Globe Bristol County Sheriff Thomas M. Hodgson has hit on a new idea to mistreat the inmates he’s been elected to rehabilitate: deprive them of in-person family visits. If that seems too cruel to be true, take note that this is the same sheriff who infamously volunteered his prisoners as free labor […]
DOC’s drug-sniffing dogs wind up on SJC’s docket
August 1, 2017 The Boston Herald By Bob McGovern The use of drug-sniffing dogs on prison visitors in the Bay State is under attack, according to a lawsuit going before the state’s high court. The state Supreme Judicial Court announced it will determine whether the state Department of Correction overstepped its bounds by using Labradors and […]