Hodgson Needs to Pay More Attention to Inmates
I worked in the human services profession for over 20 years, the last 11 years at an award winning and respected Psych Hospital.
I know a few things.
Upon arrival, when a client came in, they would be given a physical (even if they previously had one prior to their arrival.) There would also be a psychological evaluation to determine the level of care. We would have “routine,” “10-minute checks,” “constant observation,” and “one to one.
The appropriate level was determined by the intake team. “One to one” would be the highest level of care, meaning 24-7 the client could not do anything without staff in close proximity.
In regards to the recent death at the Ash Street jail: killing your mother and then stetting her on fire on the front lawn would be pretty darn good reason to be on a one-to-one status and not “15-minute checks.”
He should have had round the clock eyes on. Did they have any prior information about his mental health? If the answer was no, then that it is even more of a reason to have him watched closely, because you don’t have a baseline of his behavior.
I can see another lawsuit in the future for Hodgson, I think it will be number eight. Hodgson needs to stop being “tough on crime” and pay more attention to the inmates he is supposed to be in charge of.
Stephen Oliveira, Swansea
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