Prisoners need humane, fair treatment

To the editor:

When I read 1 of 100 Alaska adults is incarcerated in some form, it should be obvious to reasonable people something is wrong.

Being tough on crime is the politician’s credo, not the solution to an obvious problem. Less than half of all prisoners in our state are violent or sexual offenders. More than 1,000 are in custody for violations of the terms of probation or parole. Relapse is a known stage of addiction, yet there is no rehabilitation provided for in the prison system.

It is time for a coalition of informed citizens with the power of the vote behind them. Does not the phrase “of, for and by the people” still serve as the foundation of society? The ACLU of Alaska has conducted a thorough and fair study, glossed over by the media and some judges. If you are a concerned citizen you should go to the ACLU of Alaska website and read the entire study. Armed with this information, we the people can bring about positive change.

If you or your family members or friends have been victims of mistreatment, the letter of the law, instead of the spirit of the law, and mistreatment inherit in pre-trial overcrowding, you are asked to join us in an effort to assist the ACLU of Alaska find solutions other than an increase in arrests and incarceration. Failure to overcome addiction should not lead to an additional felony charge. An increase in felony charges only makes the individual’s life more complex and a return to being a productive citizen more unlikely. Call 373-1142 and ask what you can do.

The Independence of the Department of Corrections, its personnel and policies, needs to be ended and court supervision reinstituted. You, as a voter and taxpayer, can help. There are many high-quality corrections officers, but there are those who should not be in such a position and do mistreat inmates. An independent oversight of prisoner grievances needs to be established so inmates may trust that they will be treated fairly, reasonably and humane.

Robert Baller

Wasilla