New state program aims at slowing prison system's revolving door

OLYMPIA — A wide-ranging plan to keep criminals from returning to the state's crowded prison system became law today, with Gov. Chris Gregoire saying treatment and training programs will strike at the roots of crime.

The package, estimated to cost about $30 million over the next two years, seeks to help inmates build skills and education while behind bars. It also offers up to half off a prison sentence for those who follow the program.

Once they're released, ex-convicts will get help lining up community services. But they also will face stiffer penalties for repeat parole violations.

If it's successful, officials say, the plan could help cut the next decade's prison capacity shortfall by more than 25 percent.

"We cannot continue to build more prisons," Gregoire said. "We must address the causes of crime and give former offenders the skills and treatment they need to stay out of prison."

The state prison system has been under increasing fire for the "revolving door" of felons. Three law-enforcement officers in King County died at the hands of ex-cons who were under state supervision last year.

Washington's prison population stands at about 18,000, including about 2,000 in county jails and out-of-state private facilities. The state pays roughly $27,000 per year to house each of them.

The Department of Corrections releases 8,500 ex-cons back into their home communities every year, typically after they've served about two-thirds of their sentences.

Officials say four out of 10 ex-convicts commit new crimes within five years.

The prison measure signed into law today tries to stem that flow in several ways:

• A major component requires each inmate to have a "re-entry" plan, including education and job training. Inmates will be able to earn two-year college degrees behind bars if financed by family, outsiders or loans.

• The package will link ex-convicts with community services, coordinate tracking by the criminal-justice system, and impose stiffer penalties for repeat violations of probation.

• Offenders could get their sentences halved if they take part in education, drug treatment and other programs behind bars.

The measure had strong support from both political parties in the state Senate, including sponsorship by Sen. Mike Carrell, R-Lakewood. But Republicans in the state House raised objections.

Rep. Doug Ericksen, R-Ferndale, said the reform package doesn't hold ex-cons accountable enough for their repeat crimes once they're back on the street.

"This is an experiment that distracts us from the real issue of protecting citizens," he said. "If this works, that's great. If this leads to more violent felons being released earlier, then I have problems with that."