June 22, 2008
Opinion: “No single solution to jail overcrowding”
SOUTH CAROLINA - Reducing the number of inmates in the Beaufort County Detention Center by clearing out "career criminals" is a laudable goal and one that Beaufort County Council should back up with money.
Fourteenth Circuit Solicitor Duffie Stone has asked for about $187,000from the county to help pay for a special team of experienced attorneys and a victim's advocate. The team would prepare cases for trial to get these people out of the county jail and into a state prison. The total cost is an estimated $264,450 a year. Stone says he plans to go to municipalities for possible contributions. They, too, should kick in.
With a county jail designed for 250 prisoners averaging 350 prisoners a day, something must be done. These prisoners, Stone said, won't plead guilty and he doesn't want to offer themdeals. About half the jail's occupants fit Stone's description of "career criminal…
LINK - IslandPacket.com
