LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska lawmakers who investigated the state prison system last week say they saw so many problems that they may have to continue direct oversight of the department for years.
Members of an oversight committee spent three days looking into financial problems, overcrowding, mental health services and staffing shortages within the Department of Correctional Services.
Senator Heath Mello of Omaha says solving the problems will likely require funding for various rehabilitation programs and staffing, as well as continued reviews by lawmakers. Mello says the oversight committee may have to become a permanent fixture of the Legislature to address all the issues.
Nebraska Department of Correctional Services Director Scott Frakes says he's working to address the problems with a new leadership team.
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