Attacking Crime

In a commentary I co-authored (“Crisis Behind Bars: Building More Jails a Poor Solution to the Crime Problem,” April 10), a number of suggestions for alternatives to incarceration were set out in light of our current jail overcrowding situation. That commentary was not meant in any way to indicate that we do not need additional jail bed space and court space to handle the number of people who are currently incarcerated in our system. I support and have supported Proposition A, which will be on the June ballot, as an essential means of obtaining the resources necessary to add the much-needed space required today and in the future in San Diego County.

My family, my friends, my clients and I have all been victims of crime. None of us wants crime. We need a long-range plan that attacks our crime problem from all sides. There must be adequate jail and prison space. We also need creative alternatives to incarceration for those convicted of crime who do not pose a danger to our community. We must also address the causes of crime to try to prevent crime from occurring.

The crime problem in our community affects us all, and we must all work together to seek a realistic solution.

ALEX LANDON

San Diego