Lance: ‘Bite The Bullet’ On Prison Crowding

Attorney General Al Lance said Friday that Idaho shouldn’t consider reducing sentences because of its swelling prison population.

“To reduce sentences or to change sentencing patterns would be the wrong signal,” Lance said during the taping of KTVB-TV’s “Viewpoint” program. “I think we just all need to bite the bullet and anticipate that if we want law and order, as I believe we should, we’re going to have to be prepared to spend the money.”

If current trends hold, Idaho’s prison population is expected to double within the next six years. Cells to house the increase in inmates could cost the state $250 million.

Lance said the Legislature should explore alternatives to prison for non-violent criminals, like burglars who target property rather than people. “Work release, halfway houses, close monitoring, that type of thing,” he said. “I think those alternatives need to be explored.”

He also said the state is looking into privatization of parts of its prison system. The Legislature ordered a study of privatization, which is being conducted by the state Department of Corrections.

On other topics Friday, Lance:

Vowed to immediately challenge the “Stop the Shipments” anti-nuclear waste initiative if it passes. Nonetheless, Lance said he thought it was important that voters get a chance to learn about, debate and vote on the issue. An attempt by eastern Idaho businesses to have the measure thrown off the ballot was rejected by the Idaho Supreme Court.

Revealed that his office has requested information for a possible lawsuit against tobacco companies, though he plans to let other states take the lead.

This spring, “I asked the Department of Health and Welfare to start assembling numbers to ascertain what if any damages could be proven,” Lance said. “I have not heard back from them.”

Fourteen states have filed suit to try to regain money spent on health care for smoking- related illnesses.

“The assets of the tobacco companies will be there, and if they are successful, there’s plenty of time for us to get in the act,” said Lance, himself a smoker.

Said he supports U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich’s proposal that drug smugglers get an automatic death penalty.

Said Lance, “I just think we need to send a very strong signal that we’re absolutely committed to stemming the tide of addiction that’s threatening our moral fiber.”

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color photo