Corrections Commissioner William Wrenn

By Laura Knoy on Tuesday, March 3, 2009.

The Department of Corrections has been hit hard by state budget cuts including the proposed closing of the Laconia Prison. We'll talk to William Wrenn about how his department is weathering the economic storm as well as new correctional ideas like early release and an increased use of home imprisonment and the ankle bracelet program.

Guest

  • William Wrenn, Commissioner of the Department of Corrections
Corrections Commissioner William Wrenn talks with NHPR's Laura Knoy on The Exchange. (Brady Carlson, NHPR)

Corrections Commissioner William Wrenn talks with NHPR's Laura Knoy on The Exchange. (Brady Carlson, NHPR)
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Laconia State Prison
Gary Lydick - Tue, 03/03/2009 - 07:59

Ask the commissioner what he is going to do with the 325 inmates at the Lakes Region Facility. His answer will be along the lines of releasing 100 or so to AHC etc. What about the other 225. He will reply moving 100 inmates into a gym at the Berlin Prison. That still leaves 125 inmates and no beds. What about the 40-50 a month that come back to prison? He is putting the lives of Officer's and inmates at extreme risk by overcrowding a prison that is already busting at the seams. I'm not disagreeing that the Laconia Prison should some day close but now is not the time.In this economy I realize that budget shortfalls are the focus but not at the cost of an Officer's Safety or even a life. Cpl. Gary Lydick (LRF)

Interview w/the Commisioner William Wrenn
Cac Tus - Tue, 03/03/2009 - 10:37

I absolutely agree w/the caller who is currently on the A.H.C. program. If the Substance Abuse programs where available on the outside of the wall, it would cost less to the tax payers and keep the offender at home with their families.
Also, these programs are important to the Inmate and the Inmate-families towards the fight against recidivism. The psychological effects of programs like these lead to Self-improvement and are extremely important for the Inmates while undergoing the everyday pressures of prison and facing the realities of one day being released.
Also, the Inmate-Families benefit from these programs largely due to the ultimate success in having their loved-one returned home and out of prison earlier than expected. Staying out of prison is more likely too, making recidivism less likely.
I wish to thank Commisioner Wrenn for bringing this issue to public awareness.