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Oct. 2, 2007 – Sen. Neville James sent his condolences Monday to the family of the slain corrections officer, Davidson James, and warned the Executive branch that time is running out to make changes in the Justice Department and the Bureau of Corrections.
"This tragic situation of this young correctional officer losing his life to street violence is a heinous crime and I hope the perpetrators are found swiftly and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," said James adding that he was personally acquainted with the victim's family.
"Now," Senator James said, "How is the Department of Justice going to handle this situation without comprising their position as prosecutor and jailer of a suspect who took the life of person in their employ? We need to eliminate any argument for conflict of interest before it occurs. I have been leading the charge of separating Corrections from Justice for more than two years and of late I have been joined by some members of the public who understand that these two entities must be completely severed from one another."
"I am calling on At-Large Senator Carmen Miranda Wesselhoft chairperson of the Public Safety, Homeland Security and Justice Committee to convene a senate hearing to officially gather the facts and make a recommendation on the separation of these entities."
"My position on the matter is clear and on record, said Senator James. We all know there are those who could not care less that all the correctional facilities, for both adults and juveniles is located on St. Croix. But I can not and will not stand by and let this injustice continue without objection," concluded Sen. James.
