Pepper Spray NOT the Answer!

I couldn't agree more with my colleague's commentary on the article about the excessive use of pepper spray in Juvenile Detention Center's across Texas.

While I can't begin to claim that I know what officers at these institution are up against on a daily basis, I have to say that the exponential increase in the use of pepper spray as a means of managing these youths is grossly unacceptable. The free, tax-paying public would love to believe that these detention centers are being used as a means of rehabilitation, but in reality, these facilities typically do little more than detain. Officers that work in these facilities are hardly trained behaviorists, and so it is hard to expect that they would be in a position to use modeling as a means of behavior modification. It's unfortunate, but true; these institution aren't equipped, or even designed to provide the kind of guidance and example that most of us would hope they do. That being said, the general tax-paying public, as well as the advocates in the field, have a right to expect that the officers who are interacting with these youths on an intimate and constant basis would deal with them in a fair and effective manner. I doubt that such is the case; 1200 incidences of pepper spraying in a single year is mind-boggling, offensive, and at best an indication of a developing trend towards excessive use of force.

Thank you so much for posting your comments on this disturbing issue. I agree that modeling is the most effective means of instilling positive behaviors, and particularly with youth, so much potential is at stake. I think that in highlighting this particular issue, it has uncovered an even greater deficiency; our inherently flawed juvenile justice system. Come on Texas, can we slow down on the tazers, pepper spray and overall brazen approach?!?!?!! Especially when dealing with youth, there is just too much potential at stake, and we really can't afford for our juvenile delinquents to be translated into a growing population of adult offenders, with our early approach in part to blame.