Hostage crisis needs unbiased probe

Feb. 5, 2004 12:00 AM

So, Department of Corrections Director Dora Schriro and Gov. Janet Napolitano, for "expeditious" reasons, will conduct their own internal investigation of the prison hostage scandal.

Both parties fully participated in the incident management and negotiations, which should also be investigated. How comprehensive can we expect the investigation to be when two key actors are conducting it? This is a little like asking George Bush and Tony Blair to investigate whether we should have bombed Iraq.

Since Schriro has already publicly stated that the two "responsible" individuals are now in custody (the two hostage-takers), will anyone be surprised when the report deflects responsibility from DOC and its ineptness at conducting the business of security?

In fact, if these two are heading the investigation, why bother with conducting it at all? It will only be credible if all aspects - including the negotiation process and the incident management itself - are thoroughly assessed and evaluated.

Clearly, the governor's so-called "demand" for answers will be limited by the questions asked. The Legislature should conduct an independent and unbiased investigation, evaluating all aspects, including those participated in by the DOC director and the governor. - Donna Leone Hamm,
Tempe
The writer is executive director of Middle Ground Prison Reform.