Here's an update to a story :
Top officials from Missouri's legislative, executive and judicial branches are joining forces in an effort to revamp Missouri's criminal sentencing practices.
Missouri officials are working with the to analyze current sentencing laws, prison and probation programs and recidivism rates. Other states that have done similar studies have enacted laws directing more nonviolent offenders to enhanced probation and drug treatment programs. That generally saves prison beds for the most serious and violent offenses.
says he wants to draw on the successful use of alcohol and drug courts to divert nonviolent offenders away from doing hard time.
鈥淲e鈥檙e making great strides, but we want to do better," Nixon told reporters today at his State Capitol office. "It is vital to insure that we not only continue to keep Missourians safe by holding offenders accountable, but also that taxpayers continue to get a good public safety return on their investment.鈥�
said many nonviolent offenders can be dealt with more effectively by other means.
鈥淭o reduce crime, we must do more than punish offenders; we must break the cycle of drug addiction and criminal behavior," Price said. "We need to help them turn their lives around to become productive, working, tax-paying members of our society.鈥�
A group of lawmakers working with the Pew Center is expected to present Governor Nixon with a report later this year, recommending new bills on sentencing practices for next year鈥檚 legislative session.
