Pubdate: Mon, 07 Jul 2003
Source: Ledger-Enquirer (GA)
Copyright: 2003 Ledger-Enquirer
Contact:  http://www.l-e-o.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/237
Author: Sara J. Totonchi
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?159 (Drug Courts)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

TOO MANY LOCKED UP

Georgia over-incarcerates. Contrary to what District Attorney Gray Conger 
argues, over 50 percent of the people incarcerated Georgia's prisons are 
there for non-violent offenses. We need more alternatives to incarceration, 
such as drug courts, pre-trial release programs, community service and 
transitional centers. We could save money by redirecting funds spent on 
incarceration to education, crime prevention and drug treatment, which have 
been shown to reduce crime and recidivism, not to mention save taxpayer 
dollars.

Crime prevention efforts such as education, drug treatment and job and 
community development will save money in the long run by avoiding the need 
for incarceration later. In light of our state's budget crisis, we need 
fiscally responsible solutions to crime that will enhance public safety, 
rather than the pseudo-solution of over-incarceration. We must become smart 
on crime.

SARA J. TOTONCHI, Atlanta
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager