10/14/2004
Although Gov. Minner waited too long to name an independent panel to investigate the July 12 hostage crisis at Delaware Correctional Center, the group she finally appointed is solid. The seven people selected are capable of doing a scrupulous examination of the prison system.
Critics of the internal review released so far rightly describe it as a wholly inadequate compilation of interviews and descriptions that merely stated the obvious. That review of policies and procedures - and their failure - was conducted by the same officials responsible for operating the prison near Smyrna. The report did acknowledge deficiencies and mistakes that led to the abduction and rape of a prison counselor and shooting an inmate. But it stopped short of analysis or placing blame where it belongs. It lacks credibility.
The review board now assigned must independently interview witnesses, examine policies and evaluate staffing. Its task is to give the governor and General Assembly a thorough evaluation of how state prisons are being run. Otherwise, the members are wasting time and money.
Most of the facts are known. But the context in which prison doors were left open and prisoners including a serial rapist were not escorted remains without sufficient explanation.
The seven professionals with this commission are not given to wasting time. Because they were selected three months after the crisis, the sooner they meet, the better chance they will have to uncover the roots of prison problems.
Prison counselor Cassandra Arnold has to live with memories of the man who brutalized her before he was shot dead. The purpose of an independent examination of this scandal is to impose procedures to minimize chances such a crisis will happen again.
State should settle with prison hostage and admit liability
10/14/2004
Gov. Minner's office is in an untenable position of trying to defend itself and the state Department of Correction against a lawsuit from prison counselor Cassandra Arnold. As virtually everyone in Delaware knows, Ms. Arnold was abducted and raped by an inmate serving a 699-year sentence for assaults against women. The man was shot and killed by a corrections officer after a seven-hour standoff in Smyrna.
It is reasonable to assume any jury in Delaware would award a considerable sum of money to Ms. Arnold. All evidence, even that produced by the Department of Correction's internal investigation, indicates gross security lapses at the prison and questionable decisions made by officials while Ms. Arnold was held hostage.
Ms. Arnold's attorneys have charged a violation of federal civil rights, right to liberty and a safe work environment. The lawsuit does not seek a specific amount of damages.
The state already turned down a proposed settlement of $3.9 million, a figure a jury could easily increase.
Given the circumstances, the state's legal team might save itself and taxpayers considerable time and money by presenting an offer to settle the lawsuit and compensate Cassandra Arnold for her pain, suffering and civil rights violations. That is not only the right thing to do, it would indicate the state acknowledges its liability and responsibility in the crisis.
