Page 2 - Gang Diversion Program News Today

Im going to back down from everything thats wrong. keep myself from coming here. at one point in time, you know, coming to jail was nothing. you know, wed laugh at -- id laugh at it. [ bleep ]. just go through the time and come back home. >> watley says he has decided to end his affiliation with the crips and has been accepted into quest, the jails gang diversion program, cofounded by deputy gillock. >> they are busy all day in class listening to curriculum that directly addresses gang membershi...

As welding or computer graphics design. he will transfer with other program par tis pants. on the other side of the jail is a much more restrictive housing unit for inmates who dont qualify for programming either because theyve yet to be convicted or have had disciplinary issues. >> broken up with 26 tanks that house from eight to ten or 12 inmates in each tank. theres one sink, one bathroom for 10 or 12 inmates. they make due. >> life in here sucks. youve got a lot more freedom in prison. you g...

It was supposed to be mailed to me and i didnt have an address at that time. so i dont know how to go about getting that back. >> focusing on certificates and were having a conversation in jail. and thats what were trying to eliminate. >> its not about the certification. and you kind of proved it, its about transformation. >> what brought him here, it goes back to criminal mind-set and the cognitive skill and making poor choices. but if hes gang, thats a huge component, who youre hanging with, y...

I chose the shortcut and i used the steps that were provided. >> right when i finished, i was told that i was going to receive my certificate. i know i didnt have enough time before i left, it was supposed to be mailed to me. >> thats focusing on certificates in jail. thats why were trying to eliminate. >> so that brought him here. it goes back to criminal mind set and making poor choices. >> according to mr. watley, he is a crypt. were going to go and talk to him and see if hes a good fit, a go...

I know i didnt have enough time before i left, it was supposed to be mailed to me. >> thats focusing on certificates in jail. thats why were trying to eliminate. >> so that brought him here. it goes back to criminal mind set and making poor choices. >> according to mr. watley, he is a crypt. were going to go and talk to him and see if hes a good fit, a good candidate for the program. >> were going to go back and talk your case over. >> of course; when they get this

Problem. >> the law created new challenges for the county by requiring them to house convicted felons, who, in the past, would have gone to prison. with many sentenced to at least a decade, they could be more likely to cause problems. but the law also came with significant funding for a broad range of job training and rehabilitation programs to help inmates stay out of jail and prison. theyre administered for the jails reentry services department. >> the goal of reentry is to reduce the residism...

>> i was driving a buddy to his house. instead of slowing down for a speed bump, i went around it. thats exactly how i got busted. i liked like a real [expletive] when i got pulled over. >> as an ab 109 inmate, watley can still get back into the programs. but other factors, including this on going affiliation with the kript street gang could get him this way. >> being that this isnt part of my past, its better for my future. im hanging out right now, actually. >> are you saying youre done? >> im...

Here for credit card fraud. he violated his parole when he was found with credit card making materials and is now back for two more years. >> at that time, i wasnt prepared to come home and change. i never said leaving that program i was going to change and do something better. >> watley has been assigned an inmate job passing out meals. it doesnt pay anything, but it has other benefits. >> i like to do a little work here and there. it makes things easier. tonight, i have to clean showers after ...

>> based on their responses, based on my experience and the environment theyre in, all kind of tells a story. and that story we can interpret to try to help them. >> lets talk about why you were away from the program the last time you were here. >> i got a lot of knowledge from the program. i just didnt aply it. taking my own steps and not the steps that were provided for me, i chose the shortcut and i used the steps that were provided. >> right when i finished, i was told that i was going to re...

It all. >> he can be overwhelming, you know, especially for somebody who is having a hard time here. nobody is happy about being here. but being la force, he likes to live it. he likes to enjoy it. theres people who like being here and theyre sad and depressed about it and can cause an issue. >> coming up -- >> 1,100 and how many? >> 1,187. >> thats a lot of wrong choices. >> chris la force runs into an old friend with a unique distinction of his own. >> when i was locked up here, i was tired. t...