In response to “Longer prison sentences are counterproductive” by Kirkland Gable in last week’s edition, well, yes, Mr. Gable, prison is indeed “an environment that’s both hostile and teaches them how to commit more crime when they’re released.”

No surprise there; put a lot of criminals together, you’re going to get a hostile environment, sure enough.

I’m also willing to concede your point that long prison sentences result in the prisoners becoming “socially handicapped.”

Here’s the thing, though. When they’re in prison, I don’t have to worry about these individuals stealing my car, breaking into my house or assaulting members of my family.

You mention a recidivism rate of 66 percent to 70 percent. So, upon their release, this sort of behavior seems to be a real concern. Let’s just see if we can’t figure out a solution.

You state that imprisonment has “the immediate benefit of public safety” but that their later release results in “increased community crime.”

I think I see the problem here. And, no, I don’t think it’s even slightly the fault of those who “propose long sentences.”

By your own statements it appears that when these individuals are in prison, public safety benefits, but when they’re released, it suffers.

Hmmm.
Michael Stuver
Thousand Oaks