Sheriff Joe...What do you think?

[Rhabbi]

While I do not agree with pretrial inmates being held under the same conditions as those who have been convicted, I do respect the way he handles criminals.

As far as mentally ill criminals, where is the judge's accountability here? Ultimately, it is the judge who hands down sentencing, therefore he shoulders the responsibility for ensuring those who are mentally ill are sent to a facility that is equipped to meet that individual's needs.

the interesting thing here is that he continues to violate Court rulings. What are judges supposed to do? the laws are written in such a way that judges have little or no discretion on sentencing. I do not believe that criminals should be coddled, but jails often end up as dumping grounds for mentally ill people because there are no psych facilities for them.

Unfortunately, in this enlightened age, a mentally ill person has a fairly good chance of encountering and being shot by the police.

[Flaming_Redhead]

What are judges supposed to do? the laws are written in such a way that judges have little or no discretion on sentencing.

I have to disagree with you. Just because there are guidelines doesn't mean the judge can't be creative.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/...entences_x.htm

[pixie_dust]

I do not believe that criminals should be coddled, but jails often end up as dumping grounds for mentally ill people because there are no psych facilities for them.

I'm not sure I agree with this. There are many states that "farm out" mentally ill criminals to "secured" mental health care facilities in other states. My own state being one of those who receives these criminals.

It has even become common practice for many states to send prisoners across borders when over crowding in their own prisons becomes an issue.