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| Early prison release plan draws fire |
| By Bridgeton News |
| Published: 01/12/2004 |
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The state is considering letting some non-violent criminals out of prison early on "special projects credits," according to New Jersey Department of Corrections Commissioner Devon Brown. But not everyone agrees with the plan. Doing this would hopefully mean criminals are learning their lessons while behind bars and make them better when released, Brown stressed. Getting education in prison, taking parenting courses, going to drug rehabilitation and participating in projects that help the community are just some of the ways inmates could get these credits and earn the opportunity for an early parole. It would only be a minimal amount of time shaved off their sentences, Brown said. Brown insisted this proposal had nothing to do with saving money, despite the cost of the state's prison, parole and juvenile justice programs exceeding $1.2 billion in 2003. "It is not my intent to reduce the budget, but to better provide for public safety," Brown said. "For those who are in our custody, we want to make sure they are better leaving the system then they were when entering the system." That is not entirely true, according to First District Assemblyman Jeff Van Drew. "It's all about money," he said. "I am very concerned with a proposal that shortens sentences for people who are convicted of crimes. I am not on the same page with all the early release to save money initiatives." The credits would be available to about 40 percent of the state's 23,000 inmates, if approved. |
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