DOC errors may shed light on other reforms

Much news and opinion have been generated by the Department of Correction's mismanagement leading to the early release of some 3,200 prisoners over the past 13 years. Two of those prisoners allegedly murdered two people, and two major investigations about DOC's screw up have recently been completed.

I wonder if those investigations included research on the other 3,198 prisoners? Have we learned how many of them have committed lesser crimes? If that number is low, it suggests to me that the state is incarcerating prisoners longer than necessary.

As for the two who have been charged with murder, their years in prison did them no good. As for the others, their early release may have actually been positive.

The public attitudes and legislative changes of the 1980s and '90s that resulted in tougher and longer punishment continue costing tax-payers millions of dollars every year, not to mention the human costs to prisoners and their families. If these investigations have tracked all 3,200 prisoners, perhaps the information can be used to alter public policy.

This story was originally published June 9, 2016 at 3:27 PM with the headline "DOC errors may shed light on other reforms."