Swanson Concerns Ignored

Swanson Correctional Center in Monroe LA has existed in this community as a rehabilitation place for youth for many years. Citizens have been allowed to obtain employment there after screening and scrutiny of the administration. However, in recent months there have been complaints that the staff is not receiving support from the administration. During prior years, there were complaints from youth inmates of mistreatment that were reviewed, heard and corrected. In some instances, an employee was terminated when found guilty of bad or irregular conduct unbecoming of any staff.

Now the tables appear to have turned, and the employees are complaining that the youth inmates are being disrespectful and even physically violent against employees. Certainly, reported claims should be reviewed to protect the overall integrity of all parties: the youth inmates, the local staff and the local administration.

There is always more than one side to every story. The local administrators should be given an opportunity to justify its actions or lack of actions. The youth inmates should also be given an opportunity to explain or defend its alleged behavior. Staff should be ready to face the accused (local administrators and youth inmates) in front of state-level administrative representation.

Indeed, the unrest should be addressed ASAP so that Swanson Correctional Center can rehabilitate youth using guidelines that have been set forth without such uncomfortable behavior.

The community is waiting to learn that the overall environment and climate are acceptable. Please help the employees and all concerned before something happens followed by excuses and coverups. There are three sides to every story. This was another side of this story. The Monroe Dispatch welcomes another or the other side of this story. Its very bad situation at Swanson when we get the story! We don't make news, we only print it!