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| Editorial: Prison crowding problem won't just fade away |
| By myjournalcourier.com |
| Published: 05/31/2012 |
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Illinois -- Merely mention releasing prisoners early and listen to the sound of Springfield office doors closing and locking like dominoes in a chain reaction free-fall. It’s clear something must be done to ease a costly and over-strained system but it’s understandable past mistakes have lawmakers reacting with some trepidation. The reality is that names like Edjuan Payne, Antoine Garrett and Jorge Bogas are still-fresh reminders of the nearly career-ending MGT Push — the state’s essentially secret plan to deal with prison overcrowding by sending some prisoners just days after they were locked up. The problem was in ignoring the Department of Corrections’ longstanding procedure that prisoners had to spend at least 61 days behind prison bars. By doing so, hundreds found themselves on a fast track for good conduct time (or “meritorious good time”) early dismissal, despite the heinous nature of some of their crimes. In the case of MGT Push graduate Payne, that meant he was free in time to cross paths with Peoria grandmother Orvette Davis, whose lifeless body was found in an alley next to the still-alive 8-month-old child authorities believe she was trying to protect when she was killed. Payne was charged in her death. The Associated Press investigated and found out 1,745 prisoners were cut loose early and some of them committed additional violent crimes after being let go. Read More. |
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