Locked in Limbo - Inside the MN Sex Offender Program`

Star Tribune ^ | June 11, 2008 | LARRY OAKES

[Sopater]

ST. PETER, MINN. - Mike Meyer says that in his 13 years locked inside Minnesota Sex Offender Program facilities, he's gained insight into why he molested 36 children and young adults, and how to stop himself from doing it again.

One technique psychologists taught him is privately repeating a deviant thought over and over until it loses its allure. Another is telling on himself -- confessing to a counselor or support group when he feels a taboo attraction. Both are supposed to break the cycle of thoughts and behaviors that led to his crimes.

"When I was offending I felt like I was a freak -- like I couldn't talk to anybody," said Meyer, 38. Now he recognizes secrecy as "a big red flag."

Meyer completed all the required phases of treatment in the Minnesota Sex Offender Program four years ago and has an 18-page Predischarge Plan listing his strategies for not reoffending. But he remains locked up.

Of similar programs in 19 states, only the 14-year-old MSOP and three others that are much newer have released no patients. While most states leave release decisions to the courts, Minnesota is one of only two states that until this year put that authority in the hands of a political appointee, the human services commissioner, and a paid review board he or she appoints. Their decisions could go to a court only on appeal.

This year, the Legislature removed the commissioner from reduction-of-custody decisions, but left that authority with the appointed review board.

Because no one can guarantee an offender won't rape or molest again, the safest course for political appointees has been to keep offenders locked up regardless of how their treatment has progressed. The result has been a ballooning MSOP population, with each resident costing taxpayers about $130,000 a year

[Sopater]

One technique psychologists taught him is privately repeating a deviant thought over and over until it loses its allure.

Sounds like a bad idea... A very bad idea.

Of similar programs in 19 states, only the 14-year-old MSOP and three others that are much newer have released no patients. While most states leave release decisions to the courts, Minnesota is one of only two states that until this year put that authority in the hands of a political appointee, the human services commissioner, and a paid review board he or she appoints. Their decisions could go to a court only on appeal.

It seems like when one person is ultimately responsible for the realease of people like this, they are much more reluctant to stick their neck out to sign for release.

This year, the Legislature removed the commissioner from reduction-of-custody decisions, but left that authority with the appointed review board.

It seems that things may be about to change. I expect that this will make it easier to release these offenders back to the street now that accountability doesn't rest on a primary individual.

[Uncle Miltie]

A very liberal neighbor of mine spent a career attempting to treat repeat pedophiles. He also worked on the board determining whether to release them even after they were confined beyond their sentences.

In his opinion, these folks cannot be treated. If fully treated by shrinks and physically castrated, and with a perfect record while in lockup, they will immediately re-offend upon release.

His professional opinion is that laws need to have punishment of Life without possibility of parole.

[Da Coyote]

I propose we start a pool on when this clown will do it again after he is released. As is with all lib ideas, this won’t work. Wait and see.

[massgopguy]

In the end of Clockwork Orange, we find out that Alex was a very good actor.

[massgopguy]

In the end of Clockwork Orange, we find out that Alex was a very good actor.

[massgopguy]

In the end of Clockwork Orange, we find out that Alex was a very good actor.

[Ghost of Philip Marlowe]

Great. Glad to hear he's on-track for controlling himself.

Still, never let him out. The mere risk of his recidivism is not worth the damage it could do to one child.

Keep them ALL locked up until they die.

It's for the children.

[Redbob]

There’s another much simpler approach: shoot the MF.

Then don’t ever worry about him molesting kids again.

[Redbob]

"Because no one can guarantee an offender won't rape or molest again,..."

I can!

[maine-iac7]

Great. Glad to hear he's on-track for controlling himself.

yep/ He's been good.

'course, there's not a lot of children available in jail.

I am always amused when people get out early, like a bank robber, for 'good behavior' - it's what they'll do outside that counts...not what the CAN'T do inside

[stompk]

“and how to stop himself from doing it again.”

that’s easy. start posting what they did, and their current address in the newspaper.

society will fix it.

[stompk]

“In the end of Clockwork Orange,”

sorry, what? I missed it.

[grjr21]

Meyer completed all the required phases of treatment in the Minnesota Sex Offender Program four years ago and has an 18-page Predischarge Plan

I'm fine with letting him out ... as long as one of the pages of his discharge plan involves his burial 

[Damifino]

repeating a thought over and over until it loses its allure

I can attest, this technique does not dissuade one from purchasing a boat....

[TalonDJ]

Now he recognizes secrecy as "a big red flag."

That is odd, because I think for most people raping childeren would have been enough of a 'red flag'.

[robomatik]

better idea!