Other options to ease prison overcrowding

Re “State Prison Crowding Emergency Declared,” Oct. 5

The recent decision by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to transfer inmates to out-of-state prisons is just a temporary fix to a big problem in California. If the inmates are allowed to consult with an attorney before the move, and they come to an agreement, then fine, send them off. But if the inmates are unwilling to get transferred, then the state must not be allowed to force them to go.

There are better solutions to prison overcrowding than transferring inmates out of state. It has been said time and time again: Release the terminally ill and disabled inmates to their families. Turn over the mentally ill to mental hospitals. Repeal the three-strikes law and overcrowding will be a thing of the past.

FRED LOPEZ

Los Angeles

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Schwarzenegger signed into effect an emergency plan to reduce the population in California prisons. Taxpayers are now going to be paying the salaries of another state’s guards when there are obvious alternatives. He could instead send all foreign inmates to their home countries to serve their time and release the very ill and dying inmates. He could release inmates 30 days early.

These are three simple yet highly effective steps that could empty more than 30,000 beds in one month and keep our tax dollars working here in our state, not financing another state’s economy. This is an attempt by the governor to avoid responsibility for not taking real action on the crisis in California’s prisons.

MARIE WALLACH

Executive Director

California Prison Projects

San Diego