CRIME: Rehab does work

More than 200 current and former police chiefs, federal and state chief prosecutors, and attorneys general from all 50 states, believe crime and incarceration can be reduced through effective rehabilitation programs. They persistently lobby for prison reform.

I have been a proponent of such action for many years and have been outspoken against spending millions of dollars to increase jail space while ignoring the lack of rehabilitation programs.

Yes, I have been told repeatedly they do have such programs in our local jail. However, when speaking to inmates and former inmates, they say there is no program. I also know that such programs do not work for everyone.

So far, building bigger jails has not reduced crime or incarceration rates. We do know however from our own local Drug Court, rehabilitation can and does make a difference. Even if the success rate is 50 percent (I’m told it is considerably higher), that can equate to substantial reduction of incarceration rates.

There are many similar organizations supporting this movement and I encourage people to read up and learn the dramatic results other communities have had. Become aware before we are asked once again to cough up millions of dollars for a new/larger jail. Consider applying those funds to substantial rehab programs. This site is a good beginning: http://lawenforcementleaders.org/

If you have children, consider which option you would choose should your child need help.

Rehab or further incarceration?

SHIRLEY THAGARD

Hayden