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Concerned about inmates' bad behavior

July 24, 2005

Dear Editor:

I would like an opportunity to respond to the recent letters about the Alum Springs Convenience Center.

I agree that the hiring of inmates does indeed benefit the county. My grievance was the inmates' bad behavior and the lack of information available to the public in case someone does encounter a problem, such as I and many others have experienced with inmate "Joe." In my case, I feel the ball was dropped by Boyle County Jailer Barry Harmon, who should have replaced inmate Joe and his job given to another inmate - someone who respects the public.

Let me also say that I am not without experience in dealing with inmates: I have an education in law enforcement and more than 14 years working with incarcerated inmates. I also had a family member with me that last day when the conflict occurred. I am in the habit of having someone else with me when I go there because of "Joe."

I am handicapped but I do work! So don't pick on handicapped people, please. Joe has repeatedly refused to help disabled, elderly persons, stating that is not his job.

I do want to make clear that when I finally located the supervisor of the center after the worker there refused to tell me her name, Mrs. Klechner responded immediately and very professionally! She advised me that "Joe was there to assist me." She sent a worker to my home to pick up the garbage that I had to bring back with me the last day of the incident. She also reported this incident to the jailer. She was respectful and courteous, and she told me she would post her name and phone number at the center.

I also would add that my mother and I have a burn barrel, but not everyone can afford a paper shredder. There are a lot of elderly persons in this community. Since I own a truck, I often pick up the garbage for elderly people or shut-ins.

I hardly think Joe is a "boy." I can furnish the names of persons who have been subjected to Joe's harassment and belligerent behavior. I refuse to be accosted or harassed by an inmate every time I go to dispose of garbage. I am not judging anyone but I won't accept that behavior from anyone, much less an incarcerated person. After all, he did something to break the law. I'm sorry if you people think he is a good ol' boy, but maybe you haven't been subjected to his harassment. I not only wrote my first letter for myself but other people in this area.

After 19 months, he has been dubbed "King of the Dump." So if he ever does escape, forget "Joe," just tell them King of the Dump has escaped and most people around here will know who he is.

Donna Clark

Junction City

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