Friday, March 06, 2009

When Is Enough -ENOUGH?

We've been talking about repeat offenders, or I have been, for several years now. The question I would like answered is this, at what point do we say a person can no longer be allowed to roam freely among the productive people? Do you think there is any chance that a person with 10,20,30 or more arrests will change their ways? I seriously doubt it. I don't mind giving people a few, or even 10 strikes, but I think anything more should make them become "property" of the state! I know, that seems harsh to some, but there has to be a line in the sand that cannot be crossed. Where do you think it should be, or should we continue giving them "one more last-last chance?

12 comments:

Hemant Gupta said...

I think we need to apply increasingly long minimum sentences. For example, your third offense should result in a sentence 3 times as long as the minimum. 10th offense should have a sentence 10 times as long as the minimum. Criminals will figure out very quickly that its just not worth it.

John Harvey said...

That would be the sentencing matrix I suggested to the legislators. I noticed there isn't a bill that has that included.

I like to think of these miscreants, those with 10 or more CONVICTIONS, as urban terrorists. Why should we keep releasing these thugs back into the civilian population? It would be like turning wolves loose on a herd of sheep. As soon as they get out of prison, do you think they go out and get a job and try to do the right thing, or do you think they go right back to the same environment they came from, and hook up with their old pals? I'm thinking the latter.

Tom Guleff said...

I am amused, when I hear politicos "talking" about tackling crime in Memphis and Shelby County. It brings a smile to my face.

John Harvey said...

Yeah, I know. It's laugh or cry, and you are taking the high road!

Cheri said...

My mother said that she saw on the news the other night that 1 out of every 13 people in Memphis had been incarcerated at least 6 times or more!

What happened to 3 strikes? Or is that only for felony convictions? It scares me to think that there are so many BAD PEOPLE and that we, as a society, are getting increasingly so because there are little-to-no restraints on our bad behavior.

John Harvey said...

Cheri, I'm sorry to report that Tennessee doesn't have an "any strikes" and you are out. For a first offense, a burglar gets automatic diversion, a second offense, gets them probation and a third conviction gets them a 3 year sentence, but after factoring the legislature's formula, they will do 9 months.

This is the problem! You and everyone else needs to contact their representatives and senators and raise a ruckus. The legislation that needs to be passed is stalled in committees because some of the legislators think the cost is too high. I think it costs too much to let these "terrorists" roam the streets.

Anonymous said...

I have heard that the reason for why so many criminals roam our streets is because there is not enough room in jail to keep them. Are there any talks of adding to the jail or building a new one large enough to accomidate these criminals? Not only would our streets be more safe, but they wouldn't be out there recruiting our children. It would be a domino effect in a different direction. Believe me, if the Federal Government will not give the city funding for it the citizens of Memphis would be more than happy to support it. I would write a check today! :o)

Anonymous said...

Well Im note exactly a saint myself, lol Im sure my picture is somewhere in there files as well. But I also believe there is a limit when a person Has to say, "enough is enough". and if this does not happen within their first 14 or 15 arrests then that person will probably never change. Ive been in jail before, and I could not believe how many people were just comfortable in there as if is it was there second home or something. It was like a family reunion of repeated low lifes. LET THE STAY HOME THEN!

Anonymous said...

One of the main reasons that these so called "criminals" keep committing crimes is because, they dont have a vision or a an opportunity to actually get a job once released from the system. A criminal record in 2009 is like a ugly scare in the middle of your face to employers. Lately even if you have a misdemeanor it will stop you from getting any job paying over 10 dollars an hour. A man cant feed his self, let alone a child or family. I believe if someone wants to change, and trying.. then help them. There is not enough second chance programs in Tennessee, It should be only offered to those seeking it.

John Harvey said...

People who want to work will find work. People who want a check, will probably get that too, since we now have a government that wants to take from those who work and give to those who will not.

I think upon the 10th conviction, a person should no loger be allowed to terrorize the rest of the citizens. They should become property of the government. If you don't get it by 9 convictions, you shouldn't have the freedom to continue in the same manner.

Anonymous said...

well i can tell u now if u have money to get out no matter what u do u will get out and surely do what u did again that got u there. I have a stalker she has been stalking me for 7 months now and i call the police and there they can do do thadd u can add her on yo wall her name is nicole anderson she also spell it nichole anderson she has a long pass and seem to do no time in jail but they say crime pay that's a big joke. she just got out of jail for stalking me and there nothing the police will do about it.

Anonymous said...

I'm in the same situation with the same person she has been stalking me for two years we need to get together n make them hear our story