a public defender

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Today, the legislature will hold its first hearing on the criminal justice system and any reforms in the wake of the Cheshire killings and the media is having a field day. I was going to write about the one lone story in the Courant last night, but upon awaking this morning, I see that the Courant now has 5 – count ‘em – 5 more stories. So I’ll just highlight each.

First, here comes the classic conundrum: We want to be tougher on crime, but if that involves building a prison and you choose to do it in our town, we’ll fight you tooth and nail. Meriden is apparently, the “only” viable site for a new prison and the residents are not happy and ready to fight.

Second, there’s this lengthy piece on Bob Farr and how he had no idea his job would become this difficult. However, if some people are to be believed, he should have had every indication that this nightmare would occur, because, you know, this was predictable.

Third, this story highlights the differences between both sides of the aisle in their proposals and details the Office of Fiscal Analysis’ report on the cost of these proposals: Prison population increases by 1000 a year and the new prison costs $10  100 million. GPS monitoring costs $212,000 for every 30 inmates.

Fourth, this piece analyzes whether Hayes should have been allowed to remain free after being released on parole, because he had to reschedule two meetings. Buried in the story is the fact that he had two jobs and a place to live.

Finally, the media takes this story of a death in Hartford and ties it in to the Cheshire hearings. It also misrepresents in the title: “Parole violator at scene of death”. What it doesn’t tell you (or does so ineptly – whether intentionally or otherwise) is that he was charged with violation of parole because he was at the scene. Stupid sensationalism.

I’ll be looking to the news for updates on the hearings and to Undercurrents, which I suspect will have a detailed report. There is a press conference prior to the hearings, held by, among others, A Better Way Foundation. Details here. It sure is going to be a fun day.