Adopted 1991, Revised 1997, Death Penalty position adopted 2005

LWVMI supports:

I. The correctional concepts of retribution (punishment), rehabilitation, deterrence and selective isolation.

II. Special intensive confinement programs on a very limited basis. The rights of prisoners must be protected.

III. The regional prison concept. Existing centralized prisons may continue to be used, but should be kept in repair.

IV. Community based alternative sentencing programs. Alternative programs should be specifically designed to fit the needs of the individual. Alternatives to incarceration may include, but need not be limited to;
A. Probation
B. Shock Probation
C. Boot Camp
D. Intensive Specialized or Supervised Probation
E. Restitution
F. Intermittent Incarceration
G. Community Service
H. House Arrest
I. Electronic Tethering
J. Reconciliation
K. Institutional Work Release
L. Halfway House/Transitional Center
M. Parole

V. Rehabilitative services for men and women in prison. The following are recommended:
A. Counseling
B. Physical Health Care
C. Mental Health Care
D. Pre and Post-natal care
E. Substance Abuse Therapy
F. Vocational Training
G. Education Training
H. Libraries, Legal and General
I. Work Opportunities
J. Sex Abuse Therapy

VI. Screening of prisoners to identify those with physical and mental problems. Where appropriate such prisoners should be segregated from the general prison population for reasons of treatment.

VII. Opportunities and facilities to enable parents and children to maintain family relationships.

VIII. Maintenance of 1987 Department of Corrections (DOC) employment qualifications and standards. Continuing education and in-service training should be required for all DOC employees.

IX. A cost effective prison system that reduces recidivism, utilizes alternatives to incarceration, reduces emphasis on prison construction and provides supportive rehabilitative programs.

The League of Women Voters of Michigan supports the Michigan constitutional prohibition on enactment of a death penalty.