We can better tailor punishment to effectively serve a purpose, rather than mindlessly handing out sentences that are unlikely to accomplish anything of value.
In an ideal world, no one would use or traffic in harmful drugs. But we don’t live in an ideal world. Until that day, harm-reducing measures like permitting dealers and users to test drugs for fentanyl, will save lives.
The topic of pardons can be controversial. Advocates like Governor Brown call them a “chance to save lives.” However, granting one individual the power to override a lawful conviction leaves that power subject to abuse.
The goal of limiting the number of people incarcerated has merit: incarceration is a drain on society and should be a last resort. However, the number of people who are not successful with community supervision indicates that work remains to be done.
Officers and supervisors who attempt to sweep misconduct under the rug or, worse, retaliate against officers for doing the right thing, deserve severe consequences and certainly shouldn’t be put in positions of even greater authority.
