sounds great West!!!

God bless you West for all you do! The world needs more like you!!!

West, you are amazing! Reminds me how Jesus would speak to the lepers. People are outcast only because we decide that they are. You have chosen to see things differently. You are an inspiration.

Wish there were more of you West. I know you will make a huge difference.

Love the idea! God Bless you! I sure hope it spreads

Thank you!

So many families have no idea where to turn, what to do. We are not a "prison" family and we were really in the dark. I wish I found this site right away when my son was arrested. I think we would of done many things different. Our high-priced attorneys did nothing to walk us through this step by step. I didn't even know how to give my son money at the county until days later when he found out and called me. I would not hesitate to help another family get through the process.

Same for my family. We knew less than nothing. There was nobody to ask even the basics. What little help we got came from the women bail bond person.

Thank You, West, I know that it is not the police that are the "bad guys," but what can we do to change these unfair, unjust, and insane sentences given to young men and women who have gotten caught up in sex crimes. Teens (18 and 19, who are experimenting or whos girlfriend happens to be 17 and is convicted,,,and the technology internet access that has changed our world and made it so accessible and the poor curious young adults getting caught up in this and whose lives are ruined...it is so painful to the families and not right. My son, now 32 who when he was lonely would go on to a chat room, where nobody is meant to be underage to talk and was caught in a sting operation and will be a lifetime SO he is not a threat to children or society, so many like this...How can we change this? Thank You for being on this site and all you are doing to help. God Bless You

This is a GREAT idea! Are you in law enforcement? Because if so, this makes your proposal even better as it will send an entirely different message. We knew NOTHING about the legal system when my husband was arrested. We put our faith into our high priced lawyer, and in the end, the money was wasted, my husband is in prison and will be a life time SVP registrant, and the moment my husband was escorted out of the courtroom left me feeling abandoned and clueless. As soon as the sentencing was over our lawyer seemed to disappear and has been unhelpful with any questions or concerns that have arose. I am still trying to figure the system out, and in preparation for his release, I am at a loss as to what to expect and how to prepare my husband, myself and our loved ones, with how to transition back into the community with this label and new "requirements" for living out our lives. I think a liaison for families would be the step in the right direction to supporting one another through this madness.

Thanks for all your posts. This has given me a direction. I am excited about it.

And yes i am in law enforcement going on 23 years now. And i can tell you its been a rough road. In the beginning we want to save the world. We want to help people. Towards the end we become cynical. We hate the world. I have fallen in this trap. I am ready to get out. My job has cost me one marraige. It has cost me my health. It has made me want to drink everyday. Ok...another story, another time, another forum!

I thank God i have the most wonderful husband who has supported me from the get go. He has been my cheerleader. He has also given me some insight on how to turn my negativity into something positive.

This is my plan. I will get with the chief of police in my area. I will let him know that it is time to change for the better. With all the negativity with LE lately, i think he will listen. We need to help the families of those accused of crimes. Not really sure on the specifics right now but know that i will leave my mark!

2015 is my year. I am going to make a difference. I got my retirement papers in the mail. And i have all of you. Let me know if you have any ideas on how i can make a difference. I know all the DA's, public defenders, judges....in my county. I will be the voice of you if you let me. I will start with my county and hope it will spread.

Westdnali.... I appreciate your "Coming out" by disclosing you profession. I have nothing against LE and I can appreciate the job that they do but I have one observation that might make a difference with the public.

I have never had an encounter with any LE where the officers didn't look at me like I was a criminal. I had ONE where the officer was actually friendly. Every time I ended our conversation with a "Have a nice day..." and got nothing but a glare back.

You would think that with all the bad press that LE would try to put on a different face. I'm not talking about the scripted "Coffee with a Cop" campaign where LE puts on a smile for the camera but every day encounters. They don't smile.... they don't respond when you say "Have a nice day..." Just the grouchy "your a criminal..." glare!

Perhaps if they would lighten up just a bit the public would have a better view of them. You get respect when you show respect!

This attitude only adds to the "Cops are not our friends" mantra.

What county are you in ? And how can we find more people in law enforcement, like yourself, that know that changes must be made, and are willing to stick their necks out and make a difference?

Some sort of sensitivity training for LE towards the families/loved ones would be helpful. Another thing I overheard the ADA say was that the one thing she hates more than "child molesters" are the women who support them. It was said deliberately so I could hear it.
That kind of thing I unprofessional, antagonistic, and totally uncalled for and I know I'm not the only one who has ever had to deal with that kind of thing, and shouldn't be allowed

I think it is a great idea! Go for it!