INNOVATIVE PROGRAMMING IS PART OF STRATEGY TO EASE LAW'S PROBLEMS

Matthew J. Frank, secretary of the state Department of Corrections,
acknowledges problems with truth in sentencing. But he says that
changes in philosophy at the department, along with innovative
programming and community partnerships, may solve some of the problems
without costing the state substantially more money.

Truth in sentencing is one of many factors that affects prison
population, Frank said this month. While the prison population has
increased under truth in sentencing, it was increasing faster under
the old parole system, he pointed out.

"I think we're heading in the right direction in the state on that,"
he said.

Frank also applauded the fact that violent criminals are serving more
time under truth in sentencing. Those longer terms are necessary to
protect public safety, he said.

However, people who commit drug and property crimes also are facing
longer sentences, which "starts to have a real cumulative impact on
the system," he said.

Frank emphasized the work of the Sentencing Commission, a panel of
representatives from throughout the justice system that was created by
the Legislature to collect data on judicial practices and advise
policy-makers on how the law is being implemented.

He said he is optimistic that the commission will develop substantive,
data-based guidelines that will help judges become more consistent.
Part of that consistency should be in honing down sentences for
non-violent offenders, he said.

The commission is trying to come up with a system that will be
user-friendly for the courts and provide good feedback for the judges,
he said.

In addition, the department is working to improve its efforts toward
rehabilitation and re-entry into the community, which Frank believes
can be achieved through a strengthened community corrections program.

Frank pointed to intensive treatment and training programs such as
boot camp as advances by his department.

"We are working hard to address costs in corrections, but obviously do
it in a way that takes into account our first priority, which is
public safety," he said. "Our strategy does not necessarily mean
spending lots more taxpayer money. We have to look at how we are doing
business."

Part of that strategy involves more effectively seeking out federal
grants and connecting offenders with existing public resources, such
as mental health treatment. It also involves working with businesses,
faith-based groups and community organizations, he said.

Department spokesman Bill Clausius pointed out that the 2003-'05 state
budget included the smallest increase in corrections spending in over
a decade.