The Virginian-Pilot
                             THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Monday, December 25, 1995              TAG: 9512210022
SECTION: FRONT                    PAGE: A22  EDITION: FINAL 
TYPE: Letter 
                                             LENGTH: Short :   22 lines

RELEASE THE NONVIOLENT

The letter (Nov. 29) from the convict at Greensville Correction Center was right on. What's wrong with releasing from prison all nonviolent offenders who have reached age 45 and have served a minimum of three years? It would certainly free up a lot of prison space and reduce the need for additional facilities. What is the recidivism rate for nonviolent offenders over age 45?

I say, let's put the violent offenders in and keep them there.

BONNIE M. LESTER

Suffolk, Dec. 6, 1995 by CNB