Commissioner Ponte to Close Pre-Release Facility

Yesterday, I sat in on the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee meeting where Commissioner Ponte testified before the committee about his decision to close down the Central Maine Pre-Release Center in Hallowell.

The pre-release center in Hallowell houses low-security prisoners with 12 months left to serve. Inmates in the unit participate in a work release program, which allows them to gain work experience, develop connections with local businesses, and save money in anticipation of release. Folks who participate in the program re-enter society on more solid footing, and are thus less likely to re-offend.

With the closing of the Hallowell facility, the pre-release program would move to the Bolduc facility in Warren. Committee members expressed concern over this move, noting that inmates would have less job opportunities in Warren, which could lead to higher rates of recidivism.

We support Maine's pre-release program and share the committee's concern that relocating inmates to Warren will limit the success of the program. Moving forward, we hope that Commissioner Ponte will ensure that the pre-release program continues to serve Maine communities.