OH- What our Esme's death has taught us

I cannot find words to express the sorrow I feel for this family, this is a terrible terrible crime. Creator, please grant them all of their needs.

9-6-2009 Ohio:

Since our daughter Esme was killed six months ago Monday, we've had the unfortunate opportunity to take a hard look at the disorganized patchwork of policies that failed to keep a psychopathic killer out of the woods near our home. In our search for answers as to how this could have happened and how it can be avoided in the future, we have learned a whole new vocabulary and seen the enormous challenges facing Ohio's criminal justice system. From our perspective, we'd like to see a common-sense approach to crafting an integrated set of criminal justice policies, perhaps based on the common principles of good parenting.

Know whom you're dealing with.

At a fundamental level, parenting is about risk assessment - knowing how much you can trust children at each point in their development. The criminal justice system also needs to be based on thorough risk assessments at every stage; decision-makers must take everything known about an offender into account when determining how far to trust them. Crucially, this assessment must remain independent of the offender's conviction - after all, prosecutors often cut deals during trials, forming an incomplete picture, which can undermine a realistic risk appraisal.

Be flexible when called for.

What works for one person doesn't necessarily work for the other - some measure of flexibility must be built into the system to deal with individual offenders. The phrase "truth in sentencing" makes a great campaign slogan; however, evidence shows that this rigid approach has caused the number of inmates to increase drastically, while incentives for inmates to genuinely participate in rehabilitation programs while incarcerated has disappeared. This alarming trend needs to change. "Indeterminate sentencing," which Ohio had until 1996, allows for more information, flexibility and discretion in determining the unique risks posed by each offender, while also providing incentives for pro-social behavior.

Be firm when needed.

Every parent also knows that sometimes you've got to stick to your guns when punishment is called for. It seems so common-sense to say, but if someone gets a seven-to-25-year sentence for a violent crime, they should serve at least seven years. Otherwise, why assign that number? A policy that combines common sense and logic, while preserving judicial and parole board flexibility, seems possible and necessary. Also, other states have instituted civil-commitment procedures for individuals deemed too dangerous to readmit into society. Ohio needs to evaluate this option.

Don't cry wolf.

The term "sex offender" is frightening, and rightly so. However, if it is applied too broadly it loses meaning and impact, and creates too large a group for law enforcement to monitor in any realistic way. Incentives are key. Every parent knows that rewards for good behavior are sometimes the only thing that can motivate a child. Similarly, indeterminate sentencing and community corrections provide behavioral tools that encourage offenders to reorient themselves into positive patterns.

We're all on the same team.

We all want to create a safe, productive society. However, there are hard realities society must accept. New offenders will continue to offend. Most people who are incarcerated get out of prison, and some will commit new crimes. No law will ever completely solve these problems. On Friday, we met with Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland and Republican state Sen. Bill Seitz. Both are committed to enacting sensible, coherent criminal justice policy this fall. Our public safety depends on crafting effective, integrated, evidence-based criminal justice policies. We owe our children that much. ..Source.. by Tom and Lisa Kenney