After inmate uprising, legislators talk of re-forming committee to investigate prison problems

LINCOLN — Another inmate uprising at a Nebraska prison has two key state lawmakers considering whether to resurrect a special legislative committee to investigate the recent disturbances, as well as lingering problems with overcrowded cells and high staff turnover.

State Sens. Bob Krist of Omaha and Laura Ebke of Crete both said Saturday the state’s troubled prison system is struggling to show progress and, meanwhile, is confronted with an increase in inmate disturbances.

“Every time it feels like they’re starting to dig out, something happens,” said Ebke, who chairs the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee, which oversees the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services.

Krist, who has served on multiple committees that dealt with state prison woes, said State Corrections Director Scott Frakes seems to be doing the right things, “but while he’s doing that, Rome is burning. And that’s concerning.”

Read more: http://www.omaha.com/news/legislature/after-inmate-uprising-nebraska-legislators-talk-of-re-forming-committee/article_0daf0814-435f-5a84-bcfe-ce6c1f0c08c1.html