After the murders of two area college students earlier this year, we knew we wanted to dig into the state's probation system. The two young men charged with murdering the college students had been convicted of other crimes and put on probation. But they had little or no contact with their probation officers. We've spent much of the last year looking at how North Carolina's probation system works -- or doesn't work.
Starting Sunday, we will publish "Losing Track: North Carolina's Crippled Probation System." After reading the series, you will be angry -- and scared. There are solutions; each day of the three-part series (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday) includes a story on possible solutions. For the last eight years, the probation system has been under the control of Gov. Mike Easley, a Democrat. We'll see if Gov.-elect Bev Perdue, a Democrat who takes office in January, has the will to fix this problem.
This kind of reporting is expensive. It's threatened by the financial problems of the newspaper industry. Read more about our commitment to investigative reporting in my Saturday column.
Comments
Investigate other areas as well
Fri, 12/05/2008 - 14:54 — DebrahGiven the multitudinous evidence of abuse regarding over-active magistrates---(reference the Demorris Lee case and others)---the public should demand more discretion from them before issuing arrest warrants on the mere word of someone.
Lots of cases clog the docket which are nothing more than phony charges by revenge-seeking accusers.
Also, and much more significant, Grand Jury proceedings in North Carolina MUST begin to be recorded.
There are many issues within the justice system which need an investigative reporter's attention.
What Other Use?
Fri, 12/05/2008 - 13:04 — jul210sInvestigative reporting is the only use of a newspaper anyway, Sir. Expensive has nothing to do with it. Anyway, you can always rest and just wear your "Pig Manure" laurels!