In a stunning move in the right direction for prison reform, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey announced the closure of Florence State Prison, one of the oldest prisons in the Nation and home of the “death chamber”. The news to close the 100-year-old prison came during the State of the State Address where he further laid out a plan to rename the Arizona Department of Prisons to The Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry.

This sounds like the right direction in helping those who will re-enter society to succeed, especially when the rate of offenders re-offending is at an all-time high. Plus it saves the taxpayers about $247 million over three years. However, what programs will be offered outside of the current playing cards and chess daily?

Historically, over the years a lot of people have shied away from tackling the topic of prison reform, however many should really take a close look at how this topic affects everyone. Some offenders will return to normal society one day and despite some feelings, weren’t sentenced to death at the home of such but were given permission on a certain date to re-enter our communities.

I don’t know bout you but, I’d rather having functioning members of society that can add to the community than those who may return un-educated and not prepared to fully re-enter society. Anywho, let’s just keep an eye on this City Buzzers.

ExReed