BETTER, LESS-EXPENSIVE PUNISHMENTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR NONVIOLENT OFFENDERS

S.C. Department of Corrections Director Jon Ozmint is correct when he
says the state ought to use alternative sentences to reduce the number
of people in prisons.

The state's prison system has reached its capacity, and the current
state budget situation has made that problem more critical. While the
number of inmates continues to rise, the Corrections Department's
budget continues to get cut.

Over the past four years, 5,000 additional inmates have been added to
the state prison system's population. But state budget cuts have
trimmed the number of guards by 600.

Those trends lead to problems. Ozmint reported earlier this year that
assaults on inmates and prison employees have risen, and escapes have
tripled.

More state money is not likely to be pouring into the state's prisons.
There simply isn't much state money, and spending it on prisons is not
a General Assembly priority.

But reducing the number of inmates may be a more complete solution
anyway. Ozmint points to the fact that almost half of the inmate
population has no history of violent crime. They are in prison for
drug offenses and property crimes.

If these people were put on electronic monitoring, sentenced to stay
in their homes except for work, they could continue to support their
families and pay for their own punishment. They could continue to pay
taxes. Instead of being a drain on the state, they could be helping to
finance state operations.

On weekends, or when their work schedule allows, they could be made to
labor for the state.

Other alternatives are available as well. Drug courts are working to
push addicts into treatment before they sink deeper into crime.

Ozmint says he is working with Gov. Mark Sanford on a proposal to
increase the use of alternative sentences. That proposal should
receive careful consideration from lawmakers.

Prisons should be reserved for violent criminals who must be kept away
from the rest of society. The state could save money and families by
stressing drug treatment rather than incarceration for drug offenders,
as well as house arrest through electronic monitoring for fraudulent
check signers and similar offenders.