State’s prison problem not going away

Our View

State’s prison problem not going away

There was a time, under former Gov. Mike Beebe’s administration, that there was considerable talk of building a new state prison and we got excited to think it could very possibly be built in Crittenden County.

We were quickly disappointed with some local officials quickly dismissed such an economic opportunity saying they simply didn’t want such a thing here in their county.

Then, when Asa Hutchinson became governor it was made clear that chances of the state building another prison was highly unlikely in the near future due to the enormous costs involved.

So then, here we are still hearing members of the state Board of Corrections sound off on needing a new 1,000-bed facility – one that could have costs as much as $150 million.

But, once again, citing the economic burden to taxpayers, Hutchinson is continuing to resist such a request saying paying for a new prison will not likely be on his agenda next year.

“I don’t anticipate” a renewed discussion over expanding prison facilities. Right now we’re managing our prison population well. We want to make sure public safety has the first priority. And budget second. At this point, I would not anticipate a need for future prison expansion budget dollars next year.”

Well then, that should end that discussion for awhile at least, and based on the lack of visualizing such a facility in Crittenden County would be a major economic shot in the arm it really doesn’t matter one way or another.

The fact remains, despite administrative efforts by the Parole Board and prison and parole officials to slow prison growth, which was the fastest in the country just two years ago, the state could expect 22,781 inmates by 2026.

Currently, state prison facilities are only designed to contain 15,157 inmates. Recent numbers show the state prison system has 16,361 inmates to deal with.

Hutchinson has made it clear that he believes any legislative push for measures aimed at bringing down prison populations will flow from the Criminal Justice Oversight Task Force, which he created in 2015.

The governor believes lawmakers, judicial and prison officials should re-evaluate the way sentences are handed down to inmates, saying the state’s sentencing guidelines need some “teeth,” or a way to require judges or prosecutors to justify any sentences that deviate from the guidelines set out by the Arkansas Sentencing Commission.

We have pointed this out before, simply throwing tax dollars at a problem won’t solve a thing. Correcting the state’s prison problems will requiring serious changes in dealing with the criminal element, and particularly in regard to a set sentencing formula that is strictly adhered to by judges and prosecutors.

While there may be a point in time when there will be a need for a new prison facility it is becoming clear that before the decision is made for such an enormous expense that policy and procedure issues be clearly addressed.

We would also hope that if, and when, the decision is made for such an investment that local leaders reconsider their position on competing for such a facility in Crittenden County.

BIBLE VERSE

The Lord is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat. The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise. He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

15:29-33

Proverbs