Pubdate: Wed, 13 Aug 2003 Source: Pensacola News Journal (FL) Copyright: 2003 The Pensacola News Journal Contact: http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1675 KEEPING CRIMINALS IN JAIL MAKES OUR STREETS SAFER In an effort to stave off overcrowded prisons and keep violent criminals behind bars, Gov. Jeb Bush should be commended for asking the Legislature to increase spending for the state prison system. Society has grown weary of criminals, especially those who commit violent felonies. If - as seems likely - keeping criminals in jail means less crime, then having criminals in jail is a plus for most people who are not in jail, and society in general. Bush's request comes as lawmakers are at the Capitol for a special session on medical malpractice insurance. The plan calls for putting about $60 million more into the prison budget. The corrections budget for the 2003-2004 fiscal year is $1.82 billion. The increase would take it to about $1.88 billion. In 2002, Florida's prison system numbers increased 3.9 percent with 75,210 prisoners behind bars. Last month that figure had climbed to 77,188. Clearly there are some people convicted of non-violent crimes who do not need to be remain incarcerated. They can work or do community service from their homes, and when properly monitored are not much of a threat to other people. But with violent criminals - especially repeat offenders - the rest of us are better protected by jailing them. And keeping them behind bars longer is a crucial step to keeping our streets safer. Police say that a large percentage of crime is committed by repeat offenders. If you put them in jail, and keep them longer, the results should be less crime. It seems logical that keeping violent criminals - murderers, rapists and armed robbers - in jail longer will make the streets safer. While it is hard to prove what impact longer jail sentences have on the crime rate, one thing is certain: No criminal can commit a crime on the street if he or she is in prison. - --- MAP posted-by: SHeath(DPFFlorida)