Pubdate: Mon, 24 Dec 2007 Source: Savannah Morning News (GA) Copyright: 2007 Savannah Morning News Contact: http://www.savannahnow.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/401 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/opinion.htm (Opinion) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?244 (Sentencing - United States) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topic/Sentencing+Commission Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?199 (Mandatory Minimum Sentencing) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topic/crack+cocaine Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing) CRACKED SENTENCING THERE IS only one illicit drug in America for which one is sentenced differently, depending on how it's ingested: Cocaine. Until recently, the federal sentencing guidelines for powder and crack cocaine were vastly different. For instance, the penalty a person would face for possessing only five grams of crack equaled the penalty a person would face for possessing 500 grams of powder cocaine. Now, federal authorities have rightly taken steps to make the sentences more equitable. Crack might be more addictive than powder cocaine, but on a scale of relative evils, a coke dealer is a coke dealer. In April of this year, the U.S. Sentencing Commission - which sets guidelines for federal prison sentences - amended its stance on crack cocaine, to bring it more in line with recommended sentences for powder cocaine. The change went into effect on Nov. 1, after a congressional review period. The commission subsequently chose to make its decision retroactive, making those currently in federal prison eligible to seek sentence reductions. The decision on whether to release a prisoner early is up to federal judges, and will be based on each inmate's prior criminal history, behavior while behind bars and potential threat to the public. Those deemed worthy of a reduction could see an average of about two years shaved off their sentences. Inmates nearing the end of their prison terms will be eligible for immediate release. According to the Sentencing Commission, some 19,500 inmates could be affected. Hundreds of them are from Georgia. While the commission was correct to bring crack cocaine sentencing closer to powder cocaine (crack sentences are still two to five times longer than sentences for powder cocaine), the influx of former crack dealers to high crime areas is a legitimate cause for concern. Locally, that means programs such as Savannah Impact, geared toward helping former inmates reintegrate into society, can play an important role in helping these former drug offenders avoid the cycle of drugs, violence and prison or death. Savannah Impact helps high-risk offenders recently released from prison to improve their education, get a driver's license and a job. The program also conducts drug tests and provides other support to help them become productive citizens. Beyond such positive reinforcement, however, these former crack dealers need to be reminded that there will be negative consequences should they backslide into illegal activity. That's where smart staffing and patrol methods from the Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department should come in. Those who catch a break and come home early need to know a return to drug dealing will earn them a return ticket to prison. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake