STATE NEEDS ALTERNATIVES TO PRISON

The Mississippi Department of Corrections puts an enormous strain on the
state budget. Despite the fact that lawmakers modified the state's
truth-in-sentencing law in 2001 - a decision that reduced prison terms for
some nonviolent offenders and, in the process, saved taxpayers $11.6 million
- - MDOC's budget has continued to increase: From $203 million in 1998 to $282
million (with a $32 million deficit request) in 2003.

The escalating price tag to house Mississippi's 20,227 inmates is forcing
lawmakers to look for other ways to cut costs.

We have some suggestions.

- - Implement a statewide drug court program Mississippi has been slow to
implement drug courts - special programs that allow those convicted of drug
offenses to choose between jail or treatment. If offenders opt for the
latter, they must meet a strict criteria: Attend weekly meetings, hold jobs,
pass regular drug tests and pay court fees.

The handful of drug courts around the state have experienced varying degrees
of success. One drug court, however - in the 14th Circuit Court District -
has been highly successful, posting a low recidivism rate and saving
taxpayers a considerable amount of money.

It has also demonstrated that, when drug courts are administered effectively
they are an excellent alternative to incarceration.

A study conducted recently by state Auditor Phil Bryant determined that
Mississippi could save $5.4 million a year if 500 people successfully
completed drug court programs annually in our state.

For a modest investment on the front-end, the Legislature could save
millions of dollars each year in prison expenditures.

- - Expand house arrest programs An increasing number of Mississippi
counties have begun using house arrest as an alternative to incarceration.

This program should be part of a judge's sentencing options in each of the
state's 82 counties.

In a typical house arrest program, an electronic bracelet monitors the
offender's movements. If the prisoner leaves home without permission or
breaks any part of his/her agreement with authorities, the offender is sent
immediately to a Department of Correction facility.

As with participants in drug court, house arrest prisoners are required to
pay all court fees, support their families and submit to weekly drug tests.
In some counties they also are required to perform community service.

House arrest is an excellent (and much cheaper) alternative to incarcerating
nonviolent offenders.

- - Require offenders to make restitution Restitution aids victims and
allows criminals to redeem themselves. More judges should implement this
form of punishment.

Building more prisons to house criminals - the time-worn way of dealing with
Mississippi's crime problem - is no longer a viable option.

In our day of shrinking state tax revenues, the "building more prisons"
option is simply too cost-prohibitive.

Thankfully other options are available.

The challenge is crafting a strategy that is tough on criminals - especially
hard-core, violent, repeat offenders - but incorporates other programs that
have shown great promise.

Lawmakers would be wise to provide funding for drug court and house arrest
programs, while at the same time encouraging the use of restitution by the
courts.