Prison furlough plan is a success

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ton, director of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.

Home furloughs are granted for up to seven days for a number of reasons. None of the 73 furloughs granted, Denton said, resulted in criminal activities, and violations of furlough regulations have been minimal.

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These people need to keep in touch with their families, friends, former employers and other contacts who can assist with their return to the community.

"And there are some individuals who have long times to serve. It is especially important to

them. After 10 to 15 years, associations break down. That's a real problem with an inmate whose family can't visit for one reason or another," the director explained.

To participate in the furlough program, prisoners must have been on top honor status for two years, must not have been sentenced more than twice for a felony offense and must not have been imprisoned more than once for felony assault.

Restrictions on inmates seeking furloughs do not end there, said Denton. Nearly 75 applications have been denied by his office.

"Studies show the behavior of an inmate in prison for a second or third time is consistently negative for the first five years-until he sees the light at the end of the tunnel in the form of release or parole.

"The furloughs can move the appearance of the light closer and affect a prisoner's attitude and actions," Denton said.

Denton said he doubts the furlough plan can reduce inmate homosexuality.

"We've only a year's experience to draw on, but I doubt it. Maybe it helps cut back institutional homosexuality (homosexual acts by inmates who would not exhibit that behavior out of prison)."

Beyond his experiences from a rehabilitative aspect, Denton finds the program is saving money.

"Now, when a prisoner needs special medical attention or must attend a funeral, we no longer need to pay for armed guards if the prisoner qualifies for furlough.'