Mike_Beaudet's Blog

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't rehabilitation supposed to play a major role in incarceration? I don't know what these 3 men's sentences are, but I bet they are lengthy and maybe even life--and I'm sure that is what they earned by committing their crimes. But, if they have learned a thing or two about "Alternatives" to Violence, wouldn't it make sense for them to pass that knowledge onto fellow inmates? Your report will hopefully point out that this ia a positive program and that it is far better than hearing about gang and drug activity inside the prison walls. Also, I know for a fact that these men are housed in a separate unit from general population and that their programs never cross with general population programs. Therefore, if no one in their separate unit is trained, then no one else in their unit can benefit from this worthwhile program. I implore you to present an objective report to the public instead of inciting outrage over a program that has a positive impact on inmates--who are, by the way, still fellow human beings.

Once a preditor/sex offender there is not rehab for these low life sex offenders and murdering children. How can someone rehab someone that can not be rehabed themselves. Our tax dollars are paying for this. I am outraged.

Once again sensationalism in journalism rules the day. The TV version of the National Inquirer is truely all Fox 25 can lay claim to. Sadley citizens and even our lawmakers fall vitim to their lies.

Deputy Mitchell was quite correct these are not model citizens but men who are working dilegently to chage there past offending behaviors. Would we or should we sleep better at night if they rufused to change. Would that somehow make us feel more in control of a situation (sexual assaults) that is seemingly out of control.

Data clearly shows that an ex-offender who participates in programing and treatment while incarcerated and continues to do so after realease has a greatly reduced rate of reoffending. The claim that RECIDIVISM for sex-offenders is 100% is completely false. In fact data again clearly shows that with treatment and a solid suport network they HAVE THE LOWEST recidivism rate of any criminal group. I dare say Fox 25 will never tell that story. No they too are preditors but their prey is the unknowing public TV viewer.

johah
everyone knows molesters are nearly never "cured" and will re offend. participating in this program is less about becoming rehabbed than in earning "brownie Points" for the parole board
will you leave your child alone with any of them once they get out??

I don't agree our tax money should pay for a packaged program for sex offenders and child murders to try and rehab these people would you want your certificate signed by a sex offender? Let the drunk drivers that have been rehabed now we all know statstically drunk drivers are more most likely to become sober help other drunk drivers. This will not end I assure you victims and advocate for potential victims and current victims will keep shouting till these bills and amendments are done. And will fight to get that program for sex offenders to rehab others they should be removed from that program.

I think what you are doing Mike is great. This is your job to present us with facts. The public has a right to know. I can not imagine what these family of the victims are feeling at all. I am outraged myself. This is not a good idea at all I think the program should be abolished. with these 3 sex offenders and what they did murder trying to rehab others. This realy makes me so Mad. I stand what I this is so warped. We are tax payers paying for this program for these inmates. However I have to pay for my sons college out of my pocket and I am a single parent.

Mr. Beaudet,
Although I am sure that your facts are in order, there may be some things that missed your attention that may lead some to think that your story is an attempt at sensationalism and might not be as fair and balance as it might be. Let me fill in some of the picture…
Fact: There is a grieving mother who lost a son to a heinous crime who is deeply hurt and outraged. As a father I can only imagine this kind of pain and my heart goes out to her. The Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) who’s merits you have put in question has a long term volunteer facilitator here in Massachusetts who lost a daughter to rape and murder. He states that he is working through AVP to break the cycle of violence that led to his daughter’s death and perhaps save another parent from experiencing a similar tragedy. Is one reaction more right than another? Who knows? But presenting more than one side of the victim story would present a more fair and balanced picture. Without that balance it may give the false appearance that you are exploiting the grief of a mother to boost your ratings.
Fact: The inmate you interviewed complained about the effect that the signature on a certificate might have at a parole hearing. What wasn’t said is that the AVP program is not a State run program. Attendance in the program is 100% voluntary. If a participant doesn’t like the looks of anyone in the room, they are not compelled to stay or come back the next day. They receive no good time for attending the program. If an attendee doesn’t want a certificate placed in their jacket, then all they have to do

(continued)
Fact: Of the tens, if not hundreds of thousands of individuals who have attended and helped with AVP workshops, you focused on just three who happen to be high profile offenders. Participants span the spectrum of society. Past participants include politicians, judges, business leaders, correctional officers, clergy as well as offenders who have committed horrendous crimes. Today, AVP workshops are being conducted in African villages with participants who have perpetrated or are victims of crimes of genocide. AVP is all about breaking the cycle of violence in society. Like AA, it is open to all who express a desire to reduce the effects of violence in their lives and the lives of others. Nobody teaches anything in AVP. People come together to learn from each other’s experiences with violence. After attending the three AVP offerings, inmates are allowed to come back and participate as helpers and have the opportunity to work their own issues with violence more deeply. No role models here. Just people coming together to share their experiences and try to better themselves. Volunteers who have been doing these workshops for decades state that they are still learning and growing as a result of their participation.

Mike,

Th emessenger gets shot when he distorts the message by not presenting both sides. To stand on the pulpit of "reporting the facts", when "the facts" reported are one sided is shallow at best.

In our country, innocence is assumed until "the preponderence of the evidence" persuades toward guilt. In this instance, it wasn't close to "preponderent".

Here's another thought. Had yo ureported the facts placed in evidence here, maybe those grieving survivors wouold have felt hope...instead of anger and resentment.

Mr Beaudet,

Perhaps the point of the story was not to call the validity of AVP into question, but you certainly did a couple of posts back when you said "Let's debate whether you think the program is worthwhile." You have given a bad eye to the men and women who are giving of their time to try and make this Commonwealth a better place to live.

Regarding your comment above that the DoC said yes to your question of whether violent criminals should be helping other inmates about making non-violent decisions. I did watch your report a number of times. Here is one of your questions and response...

Mr. Beaudet - "Did these convicted criminals actually help teach the class?"

DoC rep Mr. Mitchell - "No. They don't teach, they assist."

Fair and balanced?