Bill Dacus: Conditions are what jail prisoners make them
Re “Jail conditions terrible” (Letters, Dec. 12): The writer is so totally wrong! The inmates get great medical care and good, healthy meals; the living conditions are what the inmates make them to be. There is a superior medical staff and dedicated, professional officers.
I don’t see anyone complaining to the editor regarding the working conditions. Lack of staffing, long hours and expensive uniforms to replace and keep up. Why isn’t the letter writer asking the county for additional funding for staff and facilities?
Why was something like Proposition 47 passed? Are you part of the 70 percent who will not vote? I am proud of my career as a correctional officer in this county and just as proud to have the friends I made over all my years there. This county has been doing more with less for a great many years and changes are badly needed. Tell that to your county supervisor.
Remember, this is a Jail, not a Boy Scout Camp! It is a tough place for inmates and officers, alike. It’s dangerous and fulfilling at the same time. Hats off to the Merced County Sheriffs Department.
Bill Dacus, Merced
This story was originally published December 16, 2014 at 12:17 PM with the headline "Bill Dacus: Conditions are what jail prisoners make them."