Printer Friendly
Email to a Friend
(KLZA)-- A crowd estimated at 200 attended the third meeting of the Taking Back Our Community group Tuesday evening at the Falls City High School Auditorium.
First District State Senator Dan Watermeier and District 32 State Senator Laura Ebke who chairs the Nebraska Legislatures Judiciary Committee attended the meeting along with several representatives of the State Probation Office.
During the TBOC meetings a common theme has been the frustration from the audience as well as law enforcement due to what is perceived as sentences in court not being tough enough on criminals. Senator Dan Watermeier from Syracuse agreed, pointing out the overcrowding in prisons.
Senator Ebke said there are people going to prison, but overpopulation of Nebraska's 10 state prison facilities is an issue. She estimated over 100 people per month are sent to prison in Nebraska.
During the meeting it was revealed that the Nebraska prison population is more than 150 percent of capacity. Senator Ebke said if a lawsuit were to be filed and reach the federal court system, it could be a real problem, noting that in California the state was ordered to release prisoners due to overcrowding and some that were released were violent offenders which no one wants.
Senator Ebke said alternatives to prison time such as more probation for non-violent offenders create problems at the local level, creating issues for the County Sheriff's Departments, County Commissioners have to spend more money on jails and personnel. She said it then becomes more of a burden on the Probation Department.
It was also pointed out that it costs taxpayers approximately $38-40-thousand annually to have someone in prison.
One thing that is being discussed for the District 1 Probation area that includes Richardson, Pawnee, Nemaha, Johnson, Otoe, Gage, Saline, Thayer, Fillmore and Jefferson counties is a Drug Court.
District Judge Julie Smith is reviewing the requirements. It would require approval from the Nebraska Supreme Court, and also approval and additional funding at the county level.
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Fatal Missouri crash claims Atchison man
Brown Co Commissioner plans to resign
10-year-old St. Joseph child shot, hospitalized
Five injured, including two critically, in St. Joseph crash
Troy man convicted of sexual battery
One injured, one arrested, after Atchison fight
Man arrested in Brown Co subject to deportation
Actress, filmmaker plans Benedictine College visit
Two hurt, one cited, in Atchison wreck
Man arrested after armed carjacking in St. Joseph
Motorcyclist killed in Washington Co crash
A Saturday of celebrations planned in Atchison
Two local lakes added to public health advisory list
Richardson County Fair royalty crowned
Flags fly in KS for political violence remembrance
ATCO Sheriff seeks hit and run driver
LATEST STORIES
ATCO clarifies Sunday budget hearing date
Repair works means closure for VF boat ramp parking lot
Doniphan Co 2026 county budget adopted
Motorcyclist killed in Washington Co crash
HTRS Foundation announces scholarship
Two hurt, one cited, in Atchison wreck
ATCO Sheriff seeks hit and run driver
RELATED STORIES
Falls City man arrested on multiple charges
Authorities Continue to Look for Suspect
Investigation Yields Information About Richardson Co Thefts
Missouri Authorities Find Stolen Money in Tree
Man Faces Sex Assault Charges in SE Nebraska
Tecumseh Man Pleads Not Guilty to Falls City Thefts
Falls City Attempted Murder Case Moved to District Court
Tarkio Man Sentenced for 2008 Tecumseh Pizza Hut Robbery
Atchison Man Arrested for Aggravated Assault
St. Joseph Man in Custody for Atchison Car Burglaries and Chase
Hiawatha, Ks 66434