Pubdate: Sat, 18 Jan 2003
Source: Wichita Eagle (KS)
Copyright: 2003 The Wichita Eagle
Contact:  http://www.wichitaeagle.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/680
Author: Cecil E. Merkel

COSTLY JAIL TIME

If Kansas is not going to increase its taxes, it must cut what it is paying 
for prisons, just as other states are. Many states are closing prisons, 
reducing prison security and just letting out inmates -- even burglars and 
arsonists.

It may be necessary for Kansas to consider such draconian measures, but 
first let us try a plan that is to be submitted to the Legislature. It 
would place all charged with drug possession with no prior record for 
violent crimes or drug trafficking in treatment centers rather than jail. 
More than 1,500 of the current 9,000 inmates would leave prison, for an 
annual savings of more than $27 million. An inmate in jail costs $21,000 
while one in treatment costs only $2,500. This also would reduce the cost 
of locking users up over and over. This plan would save us taxes and maybe, 
as well, produce some good (taxpaying), drug-free citizens.

CECIL E. MERKEL Wichita
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom