Pubdate: Fri, 16 Jun 2006
Source: Tampa Tribune (FL)
Copyright: 2006 The Tribune Co.
Contact: http://www.tbo.com/news/opinion/submissionform.htm
Website: http://www.tampatrib.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/446
Author: Randolph Harmon

PRISON AS A CRIME SCHOOL

Regarding "Prison Doesn't Pay, Report Finds" (Nation/World, June 8):

As a recent resident of the Pinellas County jail, I found it 
enlightening that someone is brave enough to address an issue that is 
easily viewed as "out of sight, so out of mind." However, you will 
find that a large percentage of incarcerates are drug users. I say 
users, not sellers. Our criminal justice system has forgotten that 
drug addiction is a very powerful addiction. Consider loved ones who 
will not quit smoking, even though it is killing them.

Even using the argument that the courts recommend treatment multiple 
times only to see failure, is the correct answer to place these 
addicts - not criminals - into a prison with criminals who 
premeditate their often violent crimes?

Placing drug users into prison places them in an environment that 
teaches them how to become criminals, as they then have an 
overwhelming supply of professors more than happy to teach them the 
finer art of criminal behavior. Will our society continue to stop 
helping addicts conquer their illness and keep sending them to 
prisons, where they will be "out of sight and out of mind"?

RANDOLPH HARMON

Tampa
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman