There is an alternative to the governor’s proposal that

There is an alternative to the governor’s proposal that would both save money and reduce crime. We should expand the Community Diversions Incentive Program for nonviolent offenders that has been operating since 1980.

Community-based treatment accepts the premise that crime is a community problem that cannot be ameliorated by removing the offender from the community and treating his problems in an artificial environment. Communities must accept the responsibility to treat their own non-violent offenders rather than expect others to take their problems of their hands. The non-violent offender must remain in the community where he learned to do wrong and in that same community learn to do what is right. It is pointless to succeed in prison only to return to the community to fail again.

Community-based treatment for the non-violent offender offers the advantage of maintaining employment, paying restitution for property damage or loss, offsetting the cost of treatment, and eliminating public welfare for dependents. Holding a job and paying taxes makes a lot more sense that being warehoused at public expense for $16,000 to $20,000 a year.

The choice is clear: Virginia can create more community-based programs so non-violent offenders can pay the penalty for their crimes by working a real job to support themselves and made restitution to their victims; or, we can abolish parole, lengthen sentences and radically redefine violent crime. A win-win opportunity exists in programs for non-violent offenders, and put violent criminals in prison. The result is improved public safety and control over the soaring corrections budget.'

(Editor’s Note: Mr. Chamberlain is executive director of the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, a non-profit group based in Richmond.) i