THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, September 30, 1994 TAG: 9409300027
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A18 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 29 lines
In 1992, juveniles accounted for 13 percent of all Virginia arrests for violent crime. I support Gov. Allen's crime-fighting plan, but it appears that juvenile offenders are largely ignored other than in the provision for juvenile crimes to count in adult sentencing.
Punishment for juvenile offenders is not harsh enough, and serious juvenile crime is on the rise. Severe punishment should be a part of juvenile dispositions, along with strong rehabilitative efforts.
Youthful offenders should learn that there are consequences for their action, not just wrist-slapping sentences such as community service.
There should be no suspended sentences, no probation. Take away rights, privileges, freedoms. Send more juvenile offenders to state learning centers until their 21st birthday and enroll them in every possible rehabilitative program.
If a better job is done earlier, some adult crimes might be prevented.
SUE S. WELLS
Virginia Beach, Sept. 24, 1994 by CNB