Sheriff Kennard and others in the law enforcement sector have expressed concern about a problem they seem to have - not enough jail space. I have a couple of logical suggestions which would solve their problem:
1. Convert the following areas into jail cells to house prisoners: day rooms, TV rooms, recreation rooms, exercise rooms, weight lifting rooms, law libraries and many others. We seem to have lost sight of the purpose of jail facilities. The purpose of jail space should be to punish offenders, rehabilitate and act as a crime deterrent.2. Move a few more beds into each jail cell. Check most of the families in the community. How many kids in wholesome families sleep in double bunks? We recognize a good many of them do. Where do we get the idea that jailbirds who are a burden on society deserve better than our children? Also, check some of the colleges and see how many students live in crowded accommodations that the law enforcement sector would consider unsuitable for a criminal. I ask why most college students turn out OK. Most criminals don't.
We have got to stop this ridiculous pampering of criminals. Until then the jail space crisis will never be solved and the crime problem will continue to increase.
Sherman Nay
Brigham City