How to deal with prison crowding

Re “Rx to thin California prison population,” column, Feb. 22

Steve Lopez’s column has an answer for dealing with prisoners with mental health problems. If 20% to 25% of prisoners have mental health problems, it is time that we segregated those inmates into prisons designed for solving mental health problems.

Instead of lockups, we need hospitals. This type of prison certainly needs locks on the doors, but nurses instead of prison guards. We should let prisoners go home on probation when doctors decide they are cured. Mental health patients on probation need monitoring to look for any relapse.

MASSE BLOOMFIELD

Canoga Park

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Lopez raises a valid point. Any state plan for prison reform must include a component to reduce recidivism. One such program is operated by San Diego-based nonprofit Second Chance, in which ex-inmates are taught how to find and keep jobs.

Program staff are sent into prisons to recruit inmates who are nearing parole. Those who qualify are picked up at the prison gate on their release date, provided with alcohol- and drug-free housing and enrolled in a three-week intensive course to learn life and job-readiness skills.

Participants are also provided mental health counseling, case management and job-placement services for up to two years.

A Cal State San Marcos study found that the program participants’ recidivism rate is 30%, compared with the statewide average of 70%. Although there is a need to update our prison facilities, we also need to invest in programs proved to help those who served their sentences to reenter society and become law-abiding, taxpaying citizens.

ROBERT K. ROSS MD

President and CEO

The California Endowment

Los Angeles