Prison Sentence

TOUGH TERMS COSTLY, DON'T REFORM CONVICTS

Our state and prison system faces a crisis over the state budget. Harsh
sentences do not result in substantial reduction in crime but overpopulate
the state prisons. The mandatory sentences guidelines [should] be reformed.
Our legislators must reach out for more information when making laws. And
stop promoting laws that affect the poor and ignorant.

Studies support abolishing mandatory sentences. Most offenders in South
Carolina, incarcerated for drug offenses and other minor offenses, are
mostly people who have substance abuse problems. And they make up about 40
percent of the prison population. The lack of community-based treatment and
counseling programs contribute to this crisis.

Abolish mandatory sentences. [Give] treatment, not prison, for those
sentenced for drugs and property offenses where the offender is a drug
abuser. Establish a system for treatment for drug abusers and those with
certain theft and burglary offenses.

John Thompson
Bennettsville