Valdosta Daily Times

What We Think

November 5, 2009

What We Think: No time for guarded silence

While former corrections officers, current corrections officers, and officers’ families have recently spoken up concerning violent attacks by inmates in Valdosta State Prison, the state Department of Corrections has kept a guarded silence.

The Valdosta Daily Times has sought comments from Valdosta State Prison and the DOC in the wake of reports of inmate-on-inmate violence and inmates attacking corrections officers. So far, there has been either a lack of response or no comment.

The DOC has released statements regarding inmates injured recently within Valdosta State Prison.

Still, earlier this week, The Valdosta Daily Times filed open-records requests for official reports and information concerning the attacks on two former corrections officers. As of Thursday afternoon, the DOC had not responded to the open records requests.

The Department of Corrections and the administration of Valdosta State Prison have tough jobs. We understand this. They are responsible for housing violent offenders. They are responsible for keeping these offenders confined within the cells, bars, gates and concertina wire of the corrections facility.

By asking what is happening at Valdosta State Prison, this newspaper is not trying to jeopardize the facility’s primary mission. But when corrections officers and their families come forward, on the record, sharing stories of attacks and showing scars from those attacks, this newspaper and the community should expect some answers.

Valdosta State Prison is a part of the South Georgia community. Many of its corrections officers come from Valdosta-Lowndes County and surrounding communities.

When men from our community are being injured, when men who have been there claim the inmates are out of control, it raises questions not only regarding the safety of the corrections officers but the safety of the general public.

If the DOC doesn’t want to answer our questions, it should at least make an effort to address its neighbors — the residents of Valdosta-Lowndes County. It should at least let residents know how such matters are being addressed within the walls so those of us living outside of those walls can rest a little easier.

Text Only
What We Think: No time for guarded silence
by Anonymous , , Thu Nov 05, 2009, 11:38 PM EST
What We Think
  • Football traditions 2010

    With the Valdosta State University Blazers returning to the field Saturday, the region’s football season is in full swing. The traditions continue.

    September 3, 2010

  • What we think: Preserve our past

    Now that the majority of offices and personnel have relocated to the new Lowndes County Judicial Complex, the former courthouse is sitting empty and ready for its next incarnation.

    September 1, 2010

  • What We Think: Gubernatorial South Georgia

    Both the Democrat and Republican candidates for governor are targeting South Georgia as part of their campaigns.

    August 31, 2010

  • Don’t blame the fee

    The Lowndes County Trash Permit has only been around for two years, so how is it to blame for all of the illegal dumping that is and has been going on for decades?

    August 30, 2010

  • Flatlanders Fall Frolic

    It just wouldn’t be Labor Day weekend in South Georgia without Lakeland’s Flatlanders Fall Frolic. And this tradition of great crafts, tasty food, and good music continues this coming weekend.

    August 29, 2010

  • Don’t be a drip

    We take water for granted. Even during past droughts, water has been plentiful. Homeowners had to curtail lawn watering, but the region still had plenty of water for drinking, showers, and other necessities.

    August 28, 2010

  • Thumbs up, thumbs down

    THUMBS UP: To Leisa Marshall for helping area families in need. In the process of improving her own health, the Valdosta State University accounting professor developed a fundraiser to help a student's father, who was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer. The inaugural Honor Our Neighbor 5K Run was held on July 10. Future runs will benefit another family battling disease.

    August 28, 2010

  • What we think: Hello future Valdosta!

    When the time capsule being buried today in Drexel Park is opened in 2060, just think about all of the incredible things that may have happened over the next 50 years.

    August 26, 2010

  • What we think: Every day a Day of Caring

    Friday’s Day of Caring serves as the kick-off for the Greater Valdosta United Way’s 2010-11 fundraising campaign.

    August 25, 2010

  • What We Think: The people you know

    From an early age, we are taught to look out for strangers. We should also remember to look out for the people we know.

    August 24, 2010

Business Marquee
Top News
House Ads
Featuring Today
SmugMug

VDT Photos of the Week

AP Video
Choose your subscription:
Community Calendar
Loading…
Events by eviesays.com
Weather Radar
Seasonal Content
Poll

How do you watch movies at home?

Video store rentals
Redbox
Download via Internet
Some combination of above
     View Results