Drug/Prison Email

L. Jones

Officer Fred Flint:

Hello. I hope that this mail finds you in good health.

I am writing to you with regard to a Mr. Pete Smith, currently facing possible incarceration in the state prison. I have some serious concerns concerning the appropriateness of Mr. Smith's incarceration in the prison system, and would like your input regarding the issue.

In simple terms, I am becoming more and more certain as the years go by in my profession that the prison system as it is may not be conducive to the rehabilitation of low-level offenders with previous drug-abuse histories. Time and time again, I have personally witnessed the problem of drug abuse/exposure within the prison system. Worse, I have also noted that many low-level offenders with drug histories come out of the system mired more deeply than before their so-called rehabilitation. Not only does this cause a substantial setback with regard to the offender, and his or her chances of real criminal rehabilitation, but I believe it also causes harm to the community at large -- who are subsequently exposed to the resulting drug-related (or other) crimes that may have actually been learned while in custody.

Of course, I completely understand the volatile nature of the prison vs. rehab debate. However, I believe that if you take a look at the information available. Specifically check out the publications from Deputy Director of the Prison Reform Trust, Nick Flynn -- especially, "Drugs in Prison, Another Quick Fix (2005)." Also, consider the 2002 Corrections Today article by Jeff Goodale. I trust that both of these writers will present my point quite will.

In short, I urge you to consider my opinion regarding an alternative sentencing option for offenders like Mr. Smith. In my opinion one of the states in-patient, minimum security rehabilitation centers may be more appropriate. Please let me know what you think.

Thank you very much for your time.

Sincerely:

Officer Betty Rumble

Works Cited

Goodale, Jeff. (2002). The prison that drugs built: Illinois designs a new women's prison for the new reality. Corrections Today. August. Retrieved from Web site on October 18, 2005, from, http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_go1850/is_200208/ai_n7187734

Flynn, Nick. (2005). Drugs in Prison: Another Quick Fix. Web page. DrugText.org. Retrieved on October 18, 2005, from, http://www.drugtext.org/library/articles/four1.html