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.