State Senators Gloria Romero and Jackie Speier vowed change for Folsom State Prison and other state penitentiaries after allegations of corruption and criminal misconduct by prison guards. Governor Schwarzenegger proposed eliminating the Office of the Inspector General, an independent agency that serves as a watchdog over the state corrections system, but hearings in the legislature brought on calls for a stronger office and increased oversight of the prisons. Romero and Speier say that the problems threaten the credibility of the justice system.
With:
Mark Martin.
Airdate: January 23, 2004
Additional Resources
Prisons agency reprieve hinted; Watchdog needed, governor's aide told at Senate hearing
Mark Martin and Pamela J. Podger, SF Chronicle
Prisons secretary under fire
Thomas Peele, Contra Costa Times
Prison Guard Union Called Too Powerful; As Senate inquiry ends, former watchdog of state prisons cites 'vacuum of leadership' and urges independent scrutiny of the system.
Jenifer Warren, LA Times
Prison union's power detailed
Mark Gladstone, Mercury News
Governor's pledge could collide with prison union's power
Dan Walters, Sacramento Bee
Tales of threats at state prison hearings; Corrections officials pledge reform as Senate inquiry opens
Mark Martin, SF Chronicle
Guards Tell of Retaliation for Informing; Whistle-blowers testify before Senate panel on how their reports of misconduct at state prisons are received.
Jenifer Warren, LA Times
State prison system called a 'tarnished institution'
Don Thompson, Associated Press
Prison's top brass to be reassigned, The goal is an unimpeded inquiry of Folsom's management after riot.
Dorothy Korber, Sacramento Bee
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