A rumor regarding the implementation of a Department of Corrections (DOC) work-release program at the Buena Vista Correctional Complex appears to have taken Buena Vista social media by storm. The rumors regarding use of a work-release program, or that the DOC is understaffed appear not to be factual at this point in time, and no official sources were cited.
The rumors surfaced in a post on the ‘What’s Happening in Buena Vista’ Facebook Page on Wednesday afternoon, July 31. The post alleges that “Our understaffed prison is now converting the old boot camp facility to a half-way house for newly released DOC offenders.”
The post has garnered nearly 300 comments, much of them negative. The post alleges that “these people [offenders] will be housed for up to two years in the facility and working in our community for what is being touted as ‘half-price’ staff.”
Ark Valley Voice contacted the DOC, and DOC Public Information Officer Annie Skinner supplied Ark Valley Voice with a statement on the issue.
“We are currently exploring options as to what to do with bunkhouses that have been on the property at the Buena Vista prison complex for decades,” wrote Skinner in an email. “We do not have any set plans in place but are exploring if those bunkhouses could potentially be used by low-risk offenders. Much like we already house minimum-security offenders at other facilities.”
According to Phillip Puckett, Town Administrator for Buena Vista, the DOC has not contacted the town concerning this program.
“I would be skeptical until someone official from the DOC confirms it and provides detail,” wrote Puckett to Ark Valley Voice.
Skinner did confirm that the DOC is exploring the possibility of implementing a work-release-type program, but that is all. The DOC is “exploring” the option.
Low-risk offenders, according to Skinner, means precisely that. Those who have committed sex offenses or violent crimes would not be eligible to participate in the program, if such a plan were implemented.
“We have had initial discussions about the potential for transitional work programs for our low-risk offenders,” said Skinner. “[Offenders] who have six months to a year left before they are [released].”
The Facebook post also alleges that “100 newly released offenders are being shipped to our community (Buena Vista).” It goes on to declare that “…for the sheer safety of our children, our community, we need to have this program located elsewhere. We don’t know who these people are, or what their offense was.”
Skinner emphasized that no decisions have been made. As a result, there are not inmates ‘being shipped’ to Buena Vista to take part in this program.
“If we were to decide to move forward with a program like that, we would certainly engage in conversations with the community to help provide accurate information and answer any questions,” assured Skinner.
Ark Valley Voice will remain attuned to this issue and offer community updates if, or when, more factual information is available.
These people have paid their dues. Lots of people say “not in my back yard” I think it’s better to have them slowly introduce back into society, then it is to just dump them back into society. Boot camp will not be free for them, they will have to get jobs and pay their way for the remainder of their time. If they stay in regular prison that’s all on the tax payer.
Thank you for your article. These people have paid for their crimes and need to re-integrate into society. Why not here? We can use their resources and we can help prepare them for when they go back to their homes.
When will we realize that we are all related?
Thanks and one important clarification: the FB thread actually included many positive responses including from a well known local Republican leader who shared his positive experiences hiring and supervising low-risk inmates
Jim,
Thank you for your comment. you are absolutely correct; the thread does include some positive comments. It is nice to see those in the community who are willing to give such a program a chance.
I want to clarify that the purpose of this article is not to support or oppose the program. Nor is it to predict or speculate on whether or not this program might be implemented. The article simply provide facts from legitimate representatives of the Town of BV and from the DOC.
Thanks again, Jim, for your comment. Ark Valley Voice will continue to monitor this and provide updates as needed.
Thank you for providing some fact and reality to the situation and not fostering the drama and fear mongering.