Pubdate: Sat, 23 Nov 2002
Source: Lexington Herald-Leader (KY)
Copyright: 2002 Lexington Herald-Leader
Contact:  http://www.kentucky.com/mld/heraldleader/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/240
Author: Leah R. Atkinson
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/prison.htm (Incarceration)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?199 (Mandatory Minimum Sentencing)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)
Cited: http://www.november.org (November Coalition)

PRISON NOT THE ANSWER

I never thought I would agree with Angela Davis, but her speech at Berea 
College hit a sensitive issue. She pointed out the high percentage of 
incarceration in the United States. As a member of Families Against 
Mandatory Sentencing, my eyes have been opened to the desperate situation 
in our prison system.

Mandatory minimum sentencing laws were passed in the 1980s. The sentence is 
determined solely by the weight and type of drug and whether a firearm is 
involved. The laws were enacted to prosecute drug kingpins. In reality, 
nine out of 10 drug offenders are low-level or medium-level participants, 
who receive the harshest sentences. They have no information to exchange 
for reduced sentences.

It costs $22,000 a year to incarcerate one person. Studies have shown that 
drug treatment reduces crime and costs less than incarceration. One year of 
outpatient treatment costs $4,400 -- $6,800 for residential drug treatment.

Because of mandatory-minimum laws, judges are prevented from considering 
the severity of the offense or the offender's role and potential for 
rehabilitation.

More than half those receiving mandatory minimums are first-time offenders, 
and nearly 90 percent are non-violent. Also, 13.4 percent are women.

Mandatory sentencing laws should be changed. The problem should be 
addressed at the front end. National polls show that the public believes 
that education and prevention programs are better ways to deal with the 
drug problem than long, harsh prison sentences.

Leah R. Atkinson, Lexington
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