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| Sentencing Reforms Proposed to Cut Okla. Prison Population |
| By The Oklahoman |
| Published: 02/03/2003 |
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In a move to cut state Corrections Department costs, the state Sentencing Commission is reviewing sentencing reforms to stabilize the state's prison population. Proposals include: *Setting thresholds for common drug crimes such as possession, distribution and manufacturing. *Lowering the minimum punishment for methamphetamine manufacturing. *Modifying the mandatory minimum sentences for repeat offenders. Members stopped short Thursday of approving reform recommendations to present to the Legislature, but will continue to discuss the proposals. 'I'm reluctant at this stage of the game to vote and put my head out on the chopping block without specifically knowing the language of any proposed legislation,' said John Wampler, commission member and district attorney for Kiowa, Tillman and Washita counties. The commission has the statutory duty to make recommendations to the Legislature regarding sentencing laws. Budgetary constraints have state officials scrambling to find ways to cut spending. The Corrections Department's budget has grown steadily since 1995. According to a statewide 2001 sentencing report, the department's funding has almost tripled since 1989 and the inmate population has doubled. Oklahoma's incarceration rate is the fourth-highest in the nation, 56 percent higher than the national average. The state's female incarceration rate leads the nation and is 124 percent higher than the national average. 'Just because we've always done something a certain way, doesn't mean there's not a better way,' said Sen. Dick Wilkerson, D-Atwood. 'Every act does not necessarily require that someone be sent to prison.' Wilkerson, a former law enforcement officer, said programs such as community sentencing and drug courts cut costs for the state and give people a chance to get their lives on track. 'People have the misconception that community corrections are a bunch of people sitting in a circle singing 'Kumbaya,'' Wilkerson said. 'The programs have accountability but give people a chance to succeed.' Members of the commission, which includes state officials, lawmakers, district attorneys and defense attorneys, did not agree on the proposals. The commission will meet again Feb. 20. |
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