NOTHING SPECIAL?

One measure of the legitimacy of our criminal justice system is how
frequently it hands out punishments that are proportionate to the offenses
committed. By that standard, Geneva Kincaid, a former evidence handler for
North Las Vegas police, was appropriately disciplined on Monday.

Ms. Kincaid, who was accused of stealing cocaine from the department's
evidence vault, avoided a jail term by pleading guilty to the lesser charge
of possession of a controlled substance. She was placed on probation and
must enter a drug rehabilitation program. If she completes the terms of the
plea agreement, the case against her will be dropped.

Some have hinted that Ms. Kincaid received special treatment because her
husband is a North Las Vegas police lieutenant. Would someone without
connections to the department have avoided jail for a similar offense?

District Attorney Stewart Bell denies any special treatment.

Good. Because if Ms. Kincaid did get a break, the DA's office should
re-examine its policy regarding nonviolent offenders.

Ms. Kincaid had no criminal history. Her crime did not involve violence to
person or property. Probation and treatment are indeed the proper approach
for most people caught in similar circumstances, regardless of their social
status. Why waste taxpayer money crowding our jails with those who pose
little threat to the community?