Wisconsin County Jail Websites
As I was researching a recent project, I happened on the website for the Calumet County Jail. I then visited various Wisconsin county jail websites and found a wide variation of quality. The information ranged from comprehensive to none. These sites give an indication of how well prisoners and their families are treated. The more information of what families can expect the better.
First, I’ll say that the website of the Calumet County Jail is better than most I have seen so far. Neighboring Manitowoc County’s jail website is useless. One of the best is that of Outagamie County. The policies are clear, and information is available for how families can provide reading materials for the inmates.
The Calumet County Website lists the daily schedule for prisoners, visiting regulations, mail regulations, and so on. It is reasonably complete and a good source of information for those who might want to visit a loved one.
But, in the listing of personal property allowed by inmates is
“One (1) soft cover Bible.”
There is no provision for non-Christians, Agnostics, or Atheists.*
The Polk County site at least has the description
“One soft cover bible(sic) or other religious text”
There is a question on whether the Bible is even an appropriate text for a jail. If anyone reads the Bible from cover to cover, they will find God sanctioned instances of drunkenness, violence, incest, genocide, and more.
I cannot understand what purpose is met by only allowing the Bible, or even including but limiting other texts such as the Koran, or the Book of Mormon. For example, what is wrong with Alcoholics Anonymous, a text that has lead many to better life? Could a historical text such as On Plymouth Plantation be suitable? A daily reflection can be very calming for some individuals.
I do realize that a balance is made somewhere since resources for jails are limited and so are jail staff. But, if our jails are overtaxed we need to look at policies for creating criminals. There are, of course, limitations in the amount of resources available to examine and judge every possible book. But, a list of acceptable readings can be developed and placed on the website to enlarge the choices available to prisoners.
And, we must remember that some held in county jails are innocent. Their main crime is to be young and poor; unable to make bail and easily mislead. If they cannot afford bail, they sit in jail. These people can easily associate Bible reading with unjust treatment.
Getting back to Calumet County, and I’m sure many others, only allowing the Bible is a lawsuit waiting to happen.
* Atheists and Agnostics make up five percent of the US population based on a 1999 Gallop poll (another eight percent did not believe in God but did believe in some kind of higher power). The Barnas Group claims eight percent of Americans are Atheists or Agnostics. And it appears than a sizeable minority of church members are more agnostic than god-fearing. See Guess Who Doesn’t Believe In God? for some surprising numbers.
by Brian McCorkle
in category Seeking Perspective
