Pubdate: Tue, 29 Apr 2003
Source: Daily Helmsman, The (TN Edu)
Copyright: 2003 Daily Helmsman
Contact:  http://www.dailyhelmsman.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2828
Author: Kimberly Alleyne

IS PRISON TIME ENOUGH FOR DRUG ADDICTS?

Speaking Volumes

A man released on parole has been charged in an attack that left one woman 
dead and a second critically injured.

James Christopher Riels was released from prison on April 7. Riels admitted 
beating Mary Jane Cruchon to death with a claw hammer. He even killed 
Cruchon's dog. His motive was robbery. He admitted to it all. Riels was 
released from the Northwest Correctional Complex (Tiptonville) on April 7. 
He served six years of a 12-year sentence for aggravated robbery. When his 
father spoke to the media, he said he thought his son had been rehabilitated.

Riels' criminal record also includes a 1995 indictment for robbery and a 
one year sentence for a 1996 check forgery charge. He is not new to the 
criminal system.

If Riels had not been paroled he would have been released in 2007. He was 
turned down on his first request in 1999 because he was considered "high 
risk" and was ordered to complete a substance abuse program. He was again 
refused parole in 2001.

Riels completed the substance abuse program and earned his GED.

After being released he returned to Memphis to live with his mother. Even 
after six years in prison and complete a substance abuse program -- Riels 
could not kick his addiction. So, what is the answer? Do prisons 
rehabilitate? Apparently not.

The numbers for repeat offenders are alarming. Reils' family and friends 
have stated that he never gave indications of violence.

What can we do? Should we continue to dump all criminals in jails and 
prisons and hold them until the space runs out? Something is wrong with 
this picture.

Maybe prison sentences are not the answer. A new study has found that true 
rehabilitation works better than jail for addicts, dealers and repeat 
offenders.

The study was conducted by researchers at Columbia University's Center on 
Addiction and Substance Abuse. The study concluded that rehabilitation is 
far more productive than jail time at reducing drug activity. The program 
has proven successful in Brooklyn County, N.Y. It was established in 1990, 
and includes treatment, counseling and job training. Researchers claim that 
program participants are 67 percent less likely to return to prison than 
those who do not complete the 24-month program.

I think a program like this is needed in Memphis and Shelby County. The CJC 
boasts one of the largest inmate populations in Tennessee. The current 
method is not working so it should be reconsidered and fixed.

We cannot continue to release violent offender on our streets to harm our 
citizens. Something must be done. We need efficient programs that offer 
counseling, education and job training.

It looks like Brooklyn County has the right idea. Jail time alone is not 
the answer.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens