Pubdate: Tue, 11 Sep 2001
Source: Daily Reflector (NC)
Copyright: 2001 Daily Reflector
Contact:  http://www.reflector.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1456
Author: Keith Acree
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/prison.htm (Incarceration)
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n1621/a09.html

CORRECTION DOES NOT DISCOURAGE PROSECUTION

Regarding your Sept. 3 story, "Prosecutors feeling 'pressure' to lighten up 
on criminals," it appears there may be some misinformation concerning how 
the North Carolina Department of Correction is managing the state's growing 
prison population. The Department of Correction does not "pressure" 
district attorneys into seeking lighter penalties or sending fewer people 
to prison.

Our department does keep state lawmakers apprised of prison conditions and 
our current and future space needs. We make requests to the Legislature for 
adequate resources to accommodate the growing number of inmates committed 
to our state prisons.

Recently, the state Legislature approved funding for three new prisons in 
Alexander, Anson and Scotland counties. These prisons will add 3,000 badly 
needed high-security cells to help handle our growth.

At the same time, budget proposals discussed by lawmakers have targeted 
several small prisons for possible closure. These prisons are old and among 
the most expensive to operate. They account for less than 300 
minimum-security beds - neither the type of bed nor the number needed to 
handle our projected growth.

As a department, we are committed to preserving the public safety by 
keeping dangerous criminals off the streets and in prison. We are 
constantly seeking efficient and cost-effective ways to deal with our 
growing prison population. Encouraging prosecutors to send fewer dangerous 
criminals to prison is not one of our methods.

KEITH ACREE

Public Information Officer

Department of Correction
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MAP posted-by: GD