Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, March 25, 1993 TAG: 9303250597
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A-14 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
NO MORE PAMPERING OF PRISONERS
GLENNA Richardson's March 4 letter ("Convicts don't deserve luxuries") questioned the wisdom of pampering convicts with such perks as televisions and telephones when the convicts then sue the Department of Corrections because the jails are too noisy for them to hear. I concur, but suggest a sterner environment like a Marine boot camp to build an esprit de corps for "graduates."Perhaps inmates would be less inclined to break laws voluntarily if, before their release, their incarceration had been programmed more for instilling discipline and character-building. Then, after their return to society, they might reconsider how crime and punishment could infringe on their freedom and comfort.
I see no need to pamper them just because the jails get too crowded. Why limit jails to two inmates to a cell? One cell with two cots, four chairs and a card table could house and serve six inmates. Six could share the two cots and still program eight hours of sleep if they learned to get along. They will need to do that when they serve their sentences and return to society.
And why do courts sentence lawbreakers to terms that are reduced to ridiculous lengths for good behavior? Instead, I would suggest more realistic sentences with no early parole, but with provisions for lengthening the terms for bad behavior.
Jail terms should be stark enough to instill a resolve in the inmate to do everything possible after his release to stay straight and never return to so disciplined an environment.
Why should taxpayers build more jails to relieve the inmates discomfort? Did the inmates consider the taxpayers' need to sacrifice their family's income to provide free board, room and medical care for lawbreakers? Why pamper them? Let's make them learn a trade and build character instead. Then the "graduates" would be as proud as a Marine who had endured boot camp but would avoid repeating the experience if at all possible. DAN H. PLETTA BLACKSBURG