The security problems at the James Boys Ranch just northeast of
Morgan Hill call for both short- and long-term solutions.
In the face of a shocking escape rate, including the most recent
incident in which two wards were apprehended by Morgan Hill Police
before ranch officials even noticed the boys were missing,
something must be done to protect the public.
The security problems at the James Boys Ranch just northeast of Morgan Hill call for both short- and long-term solutions.
In the face of a shocking escape rate, including the most recent incident in which two wards were apprehended by Morgan Hill Police before ranch officials even noticed the boys were missing, something must be done to protect the public.
While we have our doubts about the accuracy of a $5 million estimate to fence the boys ranch, we’re willing to live with the half-million dollar price tag to outfit the wards with ankle bracelets that will alert ranch officials of escape attempts.
But that can’t be the end of the matter.
The James Boys Ranch, and the now-closed nearby Holden Boys Ranch, were established as an appropriate means of rehabilitation for “low-grade” juvenile offenders. Rather than sending nonviolent, first-time offenders to Juvenile Hall with the more serious, hardened young criminals where they’d be given an education in how to commit more serious crimes, the ranches were designed to be free of that influence.
If juvenile justice system judges are subverting that system by sending the wrong kind of criminals to this facility, it’s time for our elected officials to fix that with stiffer sentencing guidelines.
If juvenile justice system judges are sending these offenders to the boys ranch instead of Juvenile Hall because they believe that there is a need for a middle-level facility, then let’s fill that need. Given the widespread problems at the county’s Juvenile Hall, we understand the reluctance judges might have to send boys there.
Instead of lowering the chance of rehabilitation that the boys ranch is designed to offer, let’s make sure that all juvenile offenders are sent to the appropriate facility. This is not a popular argument in this time of government belt-tightening, but we will not stand for that excuse.
What would the $500,000 a year we’re about to spend on electronic ankle bracelets buy in the way of an in-between facility that would allow every ward to be placed in the appropriate facility? Could the now-closed Holden Boys Ranch be outfitted to fill that need?
What is clear is that all solutions have not been explored. Neighbors, juvenile justice officials, county supervisors and concerned citizens should meet for a brainstorming session to uncover some new ideas so that appropriate incarceration that leads to rehabilitation, not a life of crime, becomes a more likely reality in Santa Clara County. That has to happen in the context of the clear priority which is the safety of the public.
Besides the obvious – and simple answer to spend $500,000 for ankle bracelets – there are other ways to improve our system and thereby improve our community’s future.
