'MISCARRIAGE OF JUSTICE'

In a Feb. 22 editorial it was pointed out that '60 percent of the
growth in the federal prison population over the last 20 years has
been due to drug offenses.'

Also, the editorial pointed out that 'the Omnibus Crime Reduction and
Sentencing Reform Act could ultimately save the state money and
heartache by classifying more criminal offenses as violent; giving
some nonviolent offenders probation instead of prison time; and giving
probation and parole officers more help.'

In the Feb. 24 Post and Courier, North Charleston Police Chief Jon
Zumalt says he supports efforts to keep repeat, violent criminals
behind bars while finding programs that help nonviolent offenders
change their behaviors and learn job skills.

I have been hearing for many years we should help rather than
incarcerate drug offenders. Young people who have a drug problem and
are not violent do not belong in jail.

It doesn't help their situation at all, because they aren't getting
help.

In fact, being incarcerated serves to make them more depressed and
desperate.

Nothing has been done though to correct this great miscarriage of
justice.

Mary Louise Dawsey

Old Cemetery Road

McClellanville