KENTUCKY RELEASES PRISONERS; ALABAMA MAY BE THE NEXT

A prison system that needs millions of dollars infused to keep it from
showing a deficit. Prisoners warehoused in facilities designed to hold half
the number they now hold. Violence increasing because of this overcrowding.

Sound familiar?

Many would say this is the Alabama corrections program being talked about.

It isn't, but it could be a mirror image.

This is happening in Kentucky today, and Kentucky is doing something about it.

Alabama may have to consider taking similar action.

The Associated Press reports that hundreds of low-level felons are being
released under a plan drawn by Kentucky Gov. Paul Patton. Mr. Patton is
trying to avert a $6 million deficit in the corrections system there.

His prisons, like Alabama's, are bulging with prisoners who would do well
under strict supervision outside the prison system's walls. Those being
released include prisoners within a few months of being released. It also
includes, however, drug traffickers, drug users and thieves. Mr. Patton
excluded sex offenders, four-time drunken drivers and those deemed to be
violent or seriously mentally ill.

Alabama's prison population has grown over the years as people opted for
"get tough" action by prosecutors against those accused of crimes.
Prosecutors across the state took the people seriously and stopped much of
the revolving door system that appeared to be used. Criminals, even violent
ones, spent little time in jail, it appeared.

Something needs to be done in Alabama and most Southern states. Alabama is
among the poorest and operates on a system that doesn't allow deficit
spending by the government.

If the money isn't there for new prisons, and it isn't, then no new prisons
will be built.

Prosecutors may be unhappy, but the day may be near when Alabama will have
to do as other states are doing and turn out non-violent prisoners to make
room for the dangerous ones who should be behind bars for a long, long time.