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As attorneys, lawmakers and state officials went round and round over lawsuits and motions regarding the condition of West Virginia's correctional facilities, an important question was raised. Why don't legislators have first-hand knowledge to work with?
It's impossible not to wonder why our elected officials are finding it so difficult to see inside the state's jails and prisons for themselves.
When state Sen. Jason Barrett, R-Berkeley, rightly asked former commissioner of the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation Betsy Jividen about conditions inside the facilities, he was blocked.
"You were commissioner for a number of years," Barrett asked her. "What were the conditions like then and how did that affect inmates and their re-entry...can you talk about the conditions while you were commissioner and how that related to the inmates?"
Before Jividen could answer, Del David Kelly, R-Tyler, swooped in to stop her from answering.
"We're going to keep these questions tailored for this presentation," Kelly said. "We're not going to go back in time. This is not the time or the place."
Again, Barrett was correct to respond, "I think it is an important question."
How are lawmakers to help make necessary reforms and provide the proper resources if they are being intentionally kept in the dark? And, for that matter, WHY are they being kept in the dark?
"We're here at legislative interims and most legislators haven't been to an active jail or prison," said Del. Joey Garcia, D-Marion. "It's hard to make good policy until you see the conditions yourself and hear firsthand the concerns of correctional officers and staff members. In light of recent developments with litigation at the Southern Regional Jail, we need more transparency and accountability with respect to human rights violations in West Virginia jails and prisons."
Surely those who could make happen such a first-hand look and conversations with state employees understand how suspicious the stonewalling appears. And, surely they understand the conclusions that will be made should they leave details about state facilities up to the imagination of taxpayers, voters and lawmakers determined to do the right thing for their constituents.
Could it be that what they have to hide is worth that risk?
If the answer is no, DCR and other state officials must open facilities' doors to lawmakers and other stakeholders, immediately.