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Gov. Patrick puts emphasis on rehabilitation over punishment
http://www.tauntongazette.com/article/20140221/NEWS/140229233/1994Gov. Deval Patrick unveiled a package of reforms aimed at shifting the criminal justice system's focus to rehabilitation.
Gov. Patrick puts emphasis on rehabilitation over punishment
BOSTON - Setting a goal of reducing recidivism by 50 percent in the next five years, Gov. Deval Patrick unveiled a package of reforms aimed at shifting the criminal justice system’s focus to rehabilitation.
Patrick, speaking Thursday at UMass Boston, announced initiatives to promote successful re-entry and to take a new treatment-oriented approach toward drug abuse and mental illness. He proposed new training programs to help prepare inmates to reintegrate into society after they’re released. The governor also called for greater access to substance abuse treatment programs for prisoners.
Patrick also addressed the case of Joshua Messier, a diagnosed schizophrenic who died in 2009 while being restrained by prison guards at Bridgewater State Hospital.
“I share the concerns many of you have on the procedure that was followed and the actions that were taken in the aftermath of the tragedy,” Patrick said. “In the coming days, we will have a full accounting.”