Pubdate: Tue, 16 Aug 2005
Source: Post-Standard, The (NY)
Copyright: 2005, Syracuse Post-Standard
Contact:  http://www.syracuse.com/poststandard/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/686
Author: Freddy L. Perry, Sr

LOCKING UP CRIMINALS DOESN'T ADDRESS PROBLEMS

To the Editor:

I read the letter titled, "Another Lost Generation." Just arresting a
group or individuals with no solution or game plan of what to do with
them once in jail is no answer. From the time the criminal justice
system receives these people until the time they get out, there should
be a preparedness in dealing with the underlying issues in their lives.

Until we start dealing with the real problems in the lives of those
incarcerated, these people will come out more frustrated, confused and
hardened by the same system that's supposed to help them get back on
track. Is there really rehabilitation, or is it just processing?

One of the biggest problems with the criminal justice system is not
preparing ex-cons to live outside of those walls. Even in the
military, after going to war, a soldier is debriefed and prepared for
the world he or she will face back home.

Repeat offenders are ex-cons not prepared, and not ready for the world
they will face outside prison walls. When not prepared for life
outside of prison, they will revert back to their past. Whatever crime
got them into prison is what they will do, because that's what they
knew at the time of being imprisoned.

The cycle begins again.

FREDDY L. PERRY SR.

Syracuse 
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