Narragansett Library to Host 'Prison in RI' Presentation

From 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16, the Narragansett Public Library will host a presentation featuring Roberta Richman, former Assistant Director for Rehabilitative Services at the Rhode Island Department of Corrections (RIDOC).

Prior to her retirement in July 2012, Richman served for 33 years as a member of the Department's senior staff, holding the position of Warden at the DOC's Women's Prison for 10 years before becoming assistant director of rehabilitative services.

During Wednesday's forum, Richman will share her thoughts on why the United States holds a larger percentage of its population in prison than any other nation in the world, yet other countries experience lower crime rates. Discussions will also center on the culture of incarceration in Rhode Island and across the country, the staff and inmates of Rhode Island's prisons, and the systems of probation and parole. 

In addition, Richman will provide a historical perspective on and a picture of the current institution and will suggest alternatives to incarceration as a way to improve efficiency and cost effectiveness.

This free program for adults will take place in the Programming Room of the Library, located at 35 Kingstown Road in Narragansett.