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Party's over for lifers: Prisons ban cons' Christmas banquets
By David R. Guarino
Thursday, December 16, 2004
Lifers won't be singing yuletide carols in state prisons for the first time in years under new party-ending rules issued yesterday by state correction officials.
Correction Commissioner Kathleen M. Dennehy sent new guidelines to prison superintendents banning all banquets, picnics and barbecues after complaints from a Charlestown murder victim's family.
``I don't think they should be rewarded for what they did - it's not an act of God, it's an act of murder,'' said Terry Titcomb, whose son, Albert, was murdered a decade ago. Titcomb's complaints in the Herald and to Gov. Mitt Romney [related, bio] about her son's murderer taking part in a holiday party at MCI-Norfolk inspired the ban.
``When they were convicted by a jury, no parties were included in that package,'' Titcomb said.
The new guidelines include an outright ban on annual parties.
They also lay out strict procedures for any type of organized activity, mandating the event meets certain criteria before it may occur - including proving it will ``promote self-improvement,'' ``foster cultural awareness'' or ``promote spiritual growth.''
All activities must be approved by three top state officials and must get a follow-up evaluation the next year.
One state official said the prisoners will have to jump through so many hoops for the events, they're likely to give up.
Titcomb complained to Romney this fall after hearing about the annual holiday party among inmates serving life sentences at the Norfolk prison. Among those participating, she said, was Shawn Fitz, who was convicted of shooting Albert Titcomb execution-style in 1994.
Some prison-rights advocates and families objected to the clampdown, saying it might infringe on inmates' abilities to see their families. But Dennehy said family visits will be allowed as always and that prisoners can host gatherings if they meet the new criteria.
She also said prison food such as cakes and cookies will be available - if prisoners pay for it from their canteen funds. But food cannot be brought in, as was the custom at past banquets.
``We're not outlawing Christmas, we are outlawing the excesses of the past,'' Dennehy said. ``It is certainly appropriate to make arrangements for extended visits, particularly with children, around the holidays.
``But we are not in the business of parties. We are looking to change behavior and fight crime.''
By David R. Guarino
Thursday, December 16, 2004
Lifers won't be singing yuletide carols in state prisons for the first time in years under new party-ending rules issued yesterday by state correction officials.
Correction Commissioner Kathleen M. Dennehy sent new guidelines to prison superintendents banning all banquets, picnics and barbecues after complaints from a Charlestown murder victim's family.
``I don't think they should be rewarded for what they did - it's not an act of God, it's an act of murder,'' said Terry Titcomb, whose son, Albert, was murdered a decade ago. Titcomb's complaints in the Herald and to Gov. Mitt Romney [related, bio] about her son's murderer taking part in a holiday party at MCI-Norfolk inspired the ban.
``When they were convicted by a jury, no parties were included in that package,'' Titcomb said.
The new guidelines include an outright ban on annual parties.
They also lay out strict procedures for any type of organized activity, mandating the event meets certain criteria before it may occur - including proving it will ``promote self-improvement,'' ``foster cultural awareness'' or ``promote spiritual growth.''
All activities must be approved by three top state officials and must get a follow-up evaluation the next year.
One state official said the prisoners will have to jump through so many hoops for the events, they're likely to give up.
Titcomb complained to Romney this fall after hearing about the annual holiday party among inmates serving life sentences at the Norfolk prison. Among those participating, she said, was Shawn Fitz, who was convicted of shooting Albert Titcomb execution-style in 1994.
Some prison-rights advocates and families objected to the clampdown, saying it might infringe on inmates' abilities to see their families. But Dennehy said family visits will be allowed as always and that prisoners can host gatherings if they meet the new criteria.
She also said prison food such as cakes and cookies will be available - if prisoners pay for it from their canteen funds. But food cannot be brought in, as was the custom at past banquets.
``We're not outlawing Christmas, we are outlawing the excesses of the past,'' Dennehy said. ``It is certainly appropriate to make arrangements for extended visits, particularly with children, around the holidays.
``But we are not in the business of parties. We are looking to change behavior and fight crime.''
