State must take action on prison overcrowding
The editorial, “Long sentences mean crowded state prisons” (Feb. 18) contends that the high recidivism rate causes criminals with prior convictions to return to prison while more first-time inmates are coming in.
This leads to overcrowding of prisons and contributes to a dangerous environment for both prisoners and prison personnel.
The author suggests new programs to keep juvenile offenders out of adult prisons. This is a good idea since the current track is expected to lead to an estimated prison population of 50,000 in the next 10 years.
Another proposal would keep ex-offenders from going back to jail by encouraging employers to hire them. While this may seem dangerous to a potential employer, it’s necessary because an ex-offender almost certainly will return to a life of crime without a decent job.
Legislators are taking part in an effort to free prison space. A Chapel Hill Democrat, Sen. Ellie Kinnaird, has proposed sentencing commission revamps that could free space for up to 4,600 inmates. I think it’s necessary so we do not end up like California, where 58,000 potentially dangerous prisoners were released.
Aaron Rosen
Greensboro
Comments (6)
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Aaron, could you post some contact information for your business? I'm sure ex-cons would be interested to know where they might apply.
Posted on March 4, 2009 3:38 AM
Can we please use some of the Stimulus Package money to build new and larger prisons and jails - so many dangerous folk not now in prison should be in prison.
Posted on March 4, 2009 6:20 AM
I think we should take a good look at just who is in prison and jail at this time. Shoplifters, dead beat dads, and other people who are not a danger to society should be doing community service instead of jail time. I have no research to back up my opinions, but feel sure that many are in jail just because they are poor.
Posted on March 4, 2009 7:02 AM
" Another proposal would keep ex-offenders from going back to jail by encouraging employers to hire them. While this may seem dangerous to a potential employer, it’s necessary because an ex-offender almost certainly will return to a life of crime without a decent job."
Does this mean that the potential danger to the employer is trumped by the criminals need for a job?
Posted on March 4, 2009 9:09 AM
I agree with Ma Barker, society would be better served if non-violent criminals weren't clogging up the prisons.
But as for the felony-level dregs of humanity, I believe making prisons far more uncomfortable would make them think twice before busting a cap or committing a brinks robbery.
No TV, no fraterization, Tammy Faye music all day long, no flushing, a squeaky bed-spring detector light that illuminates the queering... whatever it takes.
Posted on March 4, 2009 9:49 AM
You are right on Molene, why don't we sentence felons to "hard labor" anymore? We need to make prison time a deterrent instead of "recreation" time. Does anyone realize that we taxpayers fund prisoners lunches more than school students?
Posted on March 4, 2009 10:37 PM