<i> During 1990, many Orange County residents wrote about their thoughts and feelings in articles for Orange County opinion pages. As we look back on the year, some of those thoughts are recalled.</i> : Henry N. Pontell on a New County Jail

While the Orange County Board of Supervisors has focused its attention (and ours) on building new facilities as the panacea to jail overcrowding, efforts to resolve the problem could be moved in a different direction that would result in more realistic expectations regarding the use of punishment resources and the enhancement of public safety.

Before embarking on a dramatic jail construction program, a detailed and balanced examination must be made not only of the incredible economic consequences, but also of other sentencing methods (for example, expanding and initiating such mechanisms as work furlough, community service, electronic monitoring and intensive supervision) and better coordination in the criminal justice system.

Serious attention to prevention and education will go a lot further in reducing crime than will incarcerating criminals.

A crisis mentality regarding jail overcrowding will do more harm than good, both fiscally and socially, and should be abandoned. Only then will policy-makers be able to seriously consider crime and its punishment--and develop effective long-term policies.