JAIL SPACE WASTED ON DRUG OFFENDERS

Why do our laws allow someone who has brutally attacked multiple victims to
walk free after serving part of a minimum sentence, yet people can be
locked up for a mandatory stretch when their only crime is hurting themselves?

We must pressure our elected officials to get tough on violent criminals
rather than put first-time drug offenders in jail for a longer term. Our
jails are full of nonviolent drug offenders, and the authorities release
violent people in order to make room for more. This situation completely
defies reason.

Acts of violence should always be punished more harshly than acts of
self-destruction. Treat the addicts and lock up the rapists.

Jeff Riggins, Springfield