To the Editor: Ash Street Jail

In view of the well documented archaic structure, and historically reported problems in the New Bedford Ash Street jail, that it remains open to this day is an outrage.  And this is not due to any insufficient attempts by Sheriff Heroux to have it shuttered and replaced in Dartmouth at the House of Correction.

Sheriff Heroux has spent much of his tenure studying and presenting documentation as to the feasibility and necessity of retiring this antiquated facility.   

Though Heroux has endeavored to improve the food, medical services and repairing archaic fixtures of Ash Street it remains an artifact of a previous century when incarceration was for punishment and the concept of rehabilitation had not been developed.

And the present reality is that the majority of people incarcerated in the Ash Street jail are pre-trial and not convicted.  Even though these are single cells which may protect the individuals they are punitive by virtue of their very limited space and frequently malfunctioning toilets, showers and uncontrollable heat and cold conditions. 

That this facility has become a central lockup for the Bristol County police departments has undoubtedly contributed to  the reluctance of the legislature to close Ash Street and allocate the necessary funds to shutter this jail and construct a building for pre -trial detainees at the Dartmouth facility.  

Sheriff Heroux campaigned on a promise to close Ash Street and undoubtedly many voters were convinced that the unhealthy and dangerous conditions, verified by state health inspectors and newspaper  reporters, was one of the primary issues for his election  as Sheriff.

If all Bristol County police chiefs, and state representatives,  spoke as one voice on this issue, this long standing stain on our community could be eliminated and a new structure for county use constructed on the Dartmouth property. 

Betty Ussach, Dartmouth