A COALITION OF THOSE ON THE INSIDE

"Inmates who do not pose an imminent threat to society."

"Inmates who give every indication that they can succeed in a community environment."

These and other assurances have been given by the media lately to describe the types of prisoners being let go in the DOC's latest phase of early releases. The exodus is, of course, due to the looming impact of covid-19.

These assertions are superficial. They're a calming tactic; and while it's not entirely dishonest, it perfectly embodies the type of ambiguity used to dodge the broader issue. If these are the types of things that will set the public's mind at ease, then there is no reason now NOT to really look further into the state's population of felons.

Given the condition of Iowa's economy, not to mention the rest of the country's. it is simply a matter of time before measures will need to be taken to recover from this virus' aftermath. Stimulus checks will not be enough. Government bailouts will only go so far. Aside from the positive and humane effects this plan promises, it wil absolutely provide relief to the DOC's checkbook.

Who will be affected?

Our plan is aimed at those serving 70% mandatories. An emphasis has been placed on those with Robbery convictions, both in the 1st and 2nd degrees. We believe that throughout the entire ladder of forcible felonies, the criteria we propose will unearth many inmates who typify those being released by the DOC right now. Is it really about releasing inmates who pose no threat to society? Are you truly looking for those who give indicators that they can succeed? This proposal will give the parole board a chanceto find the people who truly meet those standards. 

What is it?

Simply, we are looking at criterion that lawmakers have been aware of for years.Our proposal takesinto account a violent offender's criminal history, the age at which they were committing those crimes, the actual nature of their crimes, and -most of all- what they have done since theri incarceration. These are factors that are absent in the scentencing of forcible felonies, and we believe looking at them will give you a more precise picture of who these offenders are TODAY; not who they were.

What we purpose is this:

• First and foremost, an insistence that this bill be applied retroactively.
• Allow a range of 30-50% mandatory time for Robbery 1st and 2nd, giving judges and Parole Board members the discretion to apply a sentence that best suits the individual
• Making anything less than 50% for Robbery convictions be attainable through a rigorous set of criteria that includes the following:

                   -being a first-time VIOLENT offender

                   -being a youthful offender at the time of the crime (under the age of 25,                       per scientic research)

                   -having an acceptable prison history (i.e. a lack of violent encounters,                         periods of being report-free, etc.)

                   - having a list of laudable accomplishments while in prison (i.e. GED and                     college education, trade certification, treatment classes, the Leader Dog                     program, etc.)

                   -taking into account the actual level of violence perpetrated on the                               victims, and its impact on them.

•   Allow a range of 50-70% mandatory time for the remaining list of forcible felonies, making anything below 70% attainable by meeting the criteria stated above.

Why?

Because it makes sense. One size fits all sentencing has proven itself to be ineffective and archaic, which is why it has been abandoned by most other states. Not only will it relieve the long-standing issue of prison over population, but it will keep the system from becoming bogged down in the future. This will save the state money that it will soon not have to spend. This will allow a glimpse into who truly makes up Iowa's prison population. The criteria above are tailored to help lawmakers find who actually give indication that they are ready to succeed in society. You have seen the statistics. We represent those that are least likely to reoffend. Isn't that the point? It is time to allow us to be the solution.