Back in 1976 when the Department of Corrections did away with parole, large, flat sentences were given to prospective inmates, which overflowed the Thomaston prison, and they proceeded as planned to build a new prison in Warren, which was adjacent to the Bolduc unit, “the farm,” as well as super max.

A criminal, drug addict or alcoholic isn’t going to be rehabilitated unless they want to be. Without having any exact percentages I’m sure that over half of the people incarcerated are there as a direct result of substance abuse, drugs and alcohol.

Addiction creates a multitude of family and societal problems. Having the option of rehabilitation gives a person a choice to remain addicted or get better. One would hope the state would want to help someone rehabilitate themselves instead of building another larger jail.

Andre Beaudoin

Litchfield