Daniel Perkins jr.
The Virginia Department Of Corrections is overcrowded and understaffed" Governor Glenn Youngkin told a group of reporters about the mounting problems facing Virginia's Correctional Institutions. Drugs overdoses, mental health and security being major issues plaguing outdated systems of rehabilitation and laws from the mid 90's when Virginia got tough on crime.
In 1995 Virginia introduced a new law that eliminated Parole and Goodtime ("The Earned Sentence Credit Program") which had allowed inmates to reduce their sentence by participating in programs such as Parenting, Victim Impact, and Vocational Rehabilitation while learning career trades in Plumbing, Brick Masonry, Carpentry and Horticulture.
Politicians referred to the change in law as "The Truth In Sentencing" a law that allowed prosecutors to seek decades in prison for defendants without the possibility of parole. The elimination of Parole and Goodtime (ESC Program) changed the whole landscape of the prison system by taking away incentives for inmates to be productive and on their best behavior while preparing for early release.
As other Conservative States move towards Prison Reform Virginia's Governor Glenn Youngkin and Attorney General Miyares continue their hardline stance against any type of Prison Reform and with staff shortages, overcrowding, fatal drug overdoses and a uptick in violence members of The Virginia Assembly should now be optimistic about Prison Reform or the reinstatement of Parole and Goodtime (The Earned Sentenced Credit Program.)
The reinstatement of Parole and Goodtime has been a topic of conversation for liberal members of congress and prison reform advocates for the past ten years with little to no support from Moderate Democrats and Republicans. The conservative wing of the Republican party who consistently rely on partisan politics and news stories of the one parolee released that committed another violence offense and instead of changing a flawed law which has been in place for 28 years with modest results of decline in crime and recidivism our elected officials are willing to turn a blind eye to the current conditions.
The Argument For The Reinstatement Of Parole And The Earned Sentence Credit Program
Prisons were first identified as correctional institutions with 99% of the inmate population expected to correct the criminal behavior and return to society. The other 1% received natural life sentences and would never be considered for release.
Before 1995 inmates sentenced to life in prison was eligible for parole after 15 years. Today inmates sentenced to 20 years in prison will serve at least 17 years. If the 20 year sentence was handed down in December of 1994 the defendant would be eligible for release after 4 years. Each of the defendants received a 20 year sentence but the system of parole and Goodtime gave one inmate an incentive to work hard and achieve his rehabilitation. The inmate that wasn't fortunate enough to have parole and ESC had no incentive to take programs, learn trades or stay away from the negative influences unfortunately that prison has to offer. The overcrowding, substance abuse, mental health and violence are clearly the direct result of draconian sentences with No parole, No incentives and absolutely No hope for the men and women incarcerated who will eventually be released.
Daniel Perkins jr.
40 Strong member
The40Strong.com
(Daniel Perkins Jr is currently serving a 40 year prison sentence for a nonviolent drug offense).