While in prison, I began dedicating my life to improve the criminal justice system. I continue today to advocate for treatment versus incarceration for people dependent on addictive drugs. Mandatory sentences for any crime is inhuman as one-size does not fit all.
Currently we have over two-million people incarcerated in the United States. Far too often sentences go light years beyond the point of diminishing returns. Lengthy sentences often become counterproductive to the individuals, their families, and their communities. We need to help people who have been released from prison integrate back into society. Helping them to reconnect after so long being locked up will be critical to their success.
I was lucky. After my early release I had a little money. Mostly, however, I had a large family that supported me and helped me get my life back as a free man. At times, my family connection was my greatest strength.
Today in 2020 there’s still people serving out mandatory sentences like Michael Thompson. He has served 25-years of a 40- to 60-year mandatory sentence for selling 3-pounds of marijuana in Michigan prison system. Think about how much the world has changed since 1984. People have petitioned his release.
He is not alone.
State-funded drug treatment mandated
In 2003, I became part of a core group of people who advocated for the successful passage of a probationary drug treatment bill for offenders versus a prison sentence. The Kansas legislature passed Senate Bill 123 (SB123) for nonviolent adult offenders with no prior convictions of drug trafficking, drug manufacturing or drug possession with intent to sell.
Tough on Crime = Incarceration
Our elected officials pass many laws and bills because they want to get reelected. That’s what happened in the mid-80’s when mandatory sentencing for drug offenses became a federal mandate. Tough on crime is one of those catchy tag lines that is so wrong.
One size does not fit all. Instead, we need to incarcerate people we truly fear – and help those we’re just mad at. Mandatory sentencing is what caused our mass incarceration today with 2.3 million estimated in our current prison system.
Overcrowding, less funding, and inhuman treatment due to overcrowding have fueled the current reversal to “tough on crime” mandate to be more humane. COVID 19 has also played a role.
Driver’s License Suspension
Since 2008 I have worked with Kansas Representative Gail Finney for reform of Kansas’ driver’s license suspension program for court fines and fees. According to KCUR NPR out of Kansas City, “Kansas has one of the highest rates of suspended drivers in the country.” This is a real problem. KAKE News Investigates: Suspended License Epidemic found over 135,000 people with suspended licenses for not paying their traffic fines and some — just for paying late.
With legislature, the court system, and media, we were able to pass a reform bill (Senate Bill 127). Governor Laura Kelly signed the bill in Wichita on July 9, 2021 — Activists, lawmakers celebrate signing of suspended license bill.
The license suspension program keeps many people on the poverty train since they need a car to get to work. We still have more work to do.
Media Interviews
Because of my involvement in prison reform, community advocacy, and my previous incarceration, reporters often request my opinion on current events regarding prison reform.
You’ll find a few of my interviews on our In the News blog post. Check them out.
Meanwhile — stay strong.
~~ Peter
