Pubdate: Thu, 14 Feb 2002
Source: Robesonian, The (NC)
Copyright: 2002 The Robesonian
Contact:  http://www.robesonian.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1548

JUST LEAVE THE GATE OPEN

Some lawmakers - none were quoted or identified in an Associated Press 
story - are considering shortening mandatory sentences as a response to our 
overflowing state prisons.

We have another idea: Why doesn't a prison guard just leave the front gate 
slightly ajar once the lights are turned out? That should free up some beds 
- - and provide about the same amount of security for the population as 
shorter sentences, which is to say a lot less.

The state says that our growing population, combined with tougher mandatory 
sentences that were implemented in the early 1990s, are reasons for the 
prison population explosion.

The lawmakers have asked a state commission to come up with sentencing 
alternatives to reduce the need for additional beds. They include lighter 
sentences for nonviolent habitual felons convicted of property crimes and 
lesser drug offenses, and reducing the weight given to prior convictions 
during sentencing.

The shorter-sentences option is quick and easy, but offers no other 
advantage that we can see. It would send exactly the wrong message to 
criminals.

The first thing the state should do is to continue to explore alternative 
sentences for criminals convicted of using drugs. If drug use is a disease, 
then why do these people end up in prison instead of rehabilitation 
centers? Note, we are talking about drug users, not drug dealers.

Once this option is full exploited, then lawmakers might have a better 
handle on exactly how many prison beds are needed. The state now projects 
that 7,000 new beds will be needed by 2010. The problem is the cost of 
seven new 1,000-bed prisons is fixed at $525 million - a lot of money for a 
state that is faced each year with a shortfall of hundreds of millions of 
dollars.

Some of this money could be recouped by increasing the number of inmates 
per Department of Correction employee. It is now 1.7 inmates, compared with 
a national average of 2.7.

We simply see no advantage to sending the criminals home early. We believe 
North Carolina residents would rather give their money to the state to 
build prisons than have their money stolen by someone with a gun.
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D