Prison rehabilitation versus drug treatment for low-level offenders

Drug/Prison Email

L. Jones

Officer Fred Flint:

Hello. I hope that this mail finds you in good health.

I am writing to you with regard to a Mr. Pete Smith, currently facing possible incarceration in the state prison. I have some serious concerns concerning the appropriateness of Mr. Smith's incarceration in the prison system, and would like your input regarding the issue.

In simple terms, I am becoming more and more certain as the years go by in my profession that the prison system as it is may not be conducive to the rehabilitation of low-level offenders with previous drug-abuse histories. Time and time again, I have personally witnessed the problem of drug abuse/exposure within the prison system. Worse, I have also noted that many low-level offenders with drug histories come out of the system mired more deeply than before their so-called rehabilitation. Not only does this cause a substantial setback with regard to the offender, and his or her chances of real criminal rehabilitation, but I believe it also causes harm to the community at large -- who are subsequently exposed to the resulting drug-related (or other) crimes that may have actually been learned while in custody.