MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) - Vermont's corrections commissioner says a citizens' review panel formed seven years ago after a spate of inmate suicides and other deaths of people in custody has been suspended and may be disbanded.
Corrections Commissioner Andrew Pallito says the way the Corrections Citizens' Advisory Group has been operating in recent years it has become a waste of time and resources. He adds that the department gets significant public scrutiny even without the panel, mainly through the Legislature's Corrections Oversight Committee.
At least one member of the legislative panel, Rep. William Lippert, says he sees a continuing need for a citizens' panel. He says the matter is likely to be discussed at a meeting of the legislative committee this week.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
