These funds will allow us to increase our prison space for violent offenders. We met their criteria by having violent offenders serve more time in prison and serve the entire sentence imposed by the judge. This announcement came on the heels of another grant from Harvard University and the Ford Foundation. But the real reward for most North Carolinians is already being enjoyed in the form of a lower crime rate and a stronger court system. Nonviolent offenders are forced to learn trades, get jobs, make restitution or go to prison.
Probation is strict.
There is electronically monitored house arrest and frequent drug testing. By not sending some offenders to prison, North Carolina is able to make sure that its most serious criminals serve their full sentences. And for the first time, the state has a prison budget that's under control. Dan River Prison Superintendent Wayne Moore, was a panelist in Denver, CO for the Society for Professional journalists convention in October. Reporters who are used to having prison doors slammed shut to them, found North Carolina's openness towards the press very refreshing.