systemic change, this proposal works within the current practices of the court,
police, and corrections. Indeed, very few authorized changes would have to be
made. Enactment of this proposal would eliminate the need for future bond
measures for prison construction. Not only would it save taxpayer money, it
would be most advantageous to the remaining employees of the California
Department of Corrections by allowing for the closure of outdated and unsafe
facilities. In addition, unemployment could be kept to a minimum by offering
qualified state correctional officers employment with local law enforcement
agencies. It is time now to look beyond revenge and the emotionalism associated
with current justice system practices. “There is only one practical method of
reducing crime and the subsequent public’s fear and that is through a high level
of police presence on the street.” (Randy Meyer, M.A.) In essence, this revision
allows for a return of the local neighborhood police officer who is familiar
with its residents and business owners. In the final analysis, our very freedom
depends on how we treat society’s criminals and misfits. By continuing to
create a criminal class that has not been rehabilitated through incarceration,
we are ultimately sabotaging our own security. Maybe with this we can have a
means of reversing the trend of incarceration as punishment while increasing our
personal safety and diminishing the fear that is rampant among us.