ALTERNATIVE SENTENCING DESERVES A LOOK

Do the crime, do the time. Increasingly, this maxim has been the embodiment of Missouri's get-tougher-on-crime mission.

In an effort to reduce crime, the state has pushed through more mandatory sentencing for certain crimes. But it hasn't stopped there. Law enforcement has been spurred to step up arrests. Prosecutors have been prodded to be more aggressive. Judges and juries have been encouraged to throw criminals in jail and throw away the key.

A reduced violent-crime rate in recent years seems to be the result of incarcerating brutal criminals, and that's certainly a relief.

But in this rush to justice, all people -- with crimes large and small -- are being treated with the same zealousness. The result is a bulging prison system that carries an enormous cost to taxpayers.

Recently, efforts have surfaced in the Missouri Legislature to take another look at sentencing guidelines. State Sen. Harold Caskey, D-Butler, suggests alternative sentences in lieu of jail time for some crimes. Opponents quickly proclaim that anyone who considers such a proposal must be soft on crime. Not necessarily.

No one wants to let offenders off scot-free. But the state may want to seriously consider prison alternatives for inmates convicted of non-violent violations or crimes against property.

Consider these salient facts: Missouri's prisons are operating at 160 percent capacity. Several new prisons are under construction, but the state already spends a whopping $500 million a year to warehouse nearly 25,000 prisoners. About 53 percent of these inmates are jailed for such nonviolent crimes as drug offenses, burglary and drunk driving. The state incarcerates an average of three more criminals a day than it releases.

Caskey's proposal opens a venue for legitimate discussion. But the proposal itself is flawed. It certainly has some good ideas, such as the fact jail time could be replaced by intensive supervision from probation officers, increased use of electronic shackling, more restitution and required drug treatment programs.

A recommendation that the Board of Probation and Parole can alter judge's sentences goes too far. The legislation should also allow more leeway for judges in handing down sentences -- not mandate lower guidelines without written permission. Some of these suggestions seem to walk too far in the opposite direction.

Eventually, something must be done about Missouri's burgeoning prison population. It may be time to begin seriously debating the alternatives.