News-Record.com

Tuesday's No. 2 editorial.

A visit to the county jail might be just what it takes for parents to convince misbehaving kids that's where they're headed if they don't shape up.

However, a well-intended tour sometimes can take an unexpected and unacceptable turn. That reportedly happened recently during a teenager's visit to the Alamance County Jail.

As a result, Sheriff Terry Johnson fired three detention officers and accepted the resignation of a fourth. The SBI is investigating, and criminal charges haven't been ruled out.

According to a sheriff's department spokesman, a family member asked at 7 p.m. on April 5 if a teenaged boy could tour the facility, and the request was granted. While inside the jail, the youth reportedly was forcibly restrained and possibly assaulted.

So-called "scared straight" visits are supposed to get across the message that real jail time is far different than TV's Otis ambling into the friendly confines of the Mayberry lockup. For some kids, the real thing can be an eye-opener; others aren't even fazed.

Strict guidelines, however, are needed for tours of any secured facility housing potentially dangerous inmates. And it goes without saying that deputies manhandling a guest -- particularly one underage -- is verboten.

To prevent future embarrassing incidents, Sheriff Johnson has tightened the rules. Henceforth, he will clear all tours in advance.

While "tough love" scare tactics may have their place and even work, law enforcement or the public schools can't be expected to do a parenting job that should be happening at home. And showing up on short notice on a busy Saturday night makes even less sense.

To its credit, the sheriff's department is cooperating with the SBI and district attorney's office to see if charges should be brought. Unfortunately, careers already have been ruined.