Why Not Marine Base as Jail Site?
Regarding the current crisis in local, federal and state jail and prison systems: Several years ago I offered a solution to a different state administration--a long-term or temporary plan, one which was cheap, efficient, and an answer to the never-ending NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) problem.
The state has about 800 miles bordering the Pacific Ocean, all touching the most populous counties. Why not convert some of our surplus or mothballed, outdated aircraft carriers or battleships into prison ships? They can be anchored off the coast of each county where needed. Since all are self-contained, there is no need to fight over location, construction costs, etc.
Incidentally, the reply I got from the then director of prisons, was that the philosophy of the prison system was rehabilitation, not warehousing.
VERNIE WILLIAMS
Brea
Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter
Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond. In your inbox three times per week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
