mthan is currently the case This proposal provides a policy alternative to thecurrent criminal justice emphasis on incarceration as punishment. It is based onthe premise of effectiveness and cost efficiency with a high regard forindividual liberty that is essential to a free society. It moves away from theconcept of punishment and focuses on a more functional goal of victim andsocietal repayment. The proposal offers prevention at the front end rather thanrepayment at the back end of crime reduction efforts. The advantages of such asystem are numerous. One of the most important assets of a revision of this kindis that of allowing for a major change in the criminal justice system with aminimum of disruption to the status quo. Rather than requiring an entiresystemic change, this proposal works within the current practices of the court,police, and corrections. Indeed, very few authorized changes would have to bemade. Enactment of this proposal would eliminate the need for future bondmeasures for prison construction. Not only would it save taxpayer money, itwould be most advantageous to the remaining employees of the CaliforniaDepartment of Corrections by allowing for the closure of outdated and unsafefacilities. In addition, unemployment could be kept to a minimum by offeringqualified state correctional officers employment with local law enforcementagencies. It is time now to look beyond revenge and the emotionalism associatedwith current justice system practices. "There is only one practical method ofreducing crime and the subsequent public's fear and that is through a high levelof police presence on the street." (Randy Meyer, M.A.) In essence, this revisionallows for a return of the local neighborhood police officer who is familiarwith its residents and business owners. In the final analysis, our very freedomdepends on how we treat society's criminals and misfits. By continuing tocreate a criminal class that has not been rehabilitate...
