WJCL Editorial: No excuse for 'revolving door' for violent offenders

Everybody has an opinion, but when the issues are in your neighborhood, you can become an expert pretty quickly."We saw them get arrested and saw them get released. It was just infuriating to see the cycle happen over and over again."That mother spoke volumes this past Wednesday when WJCL helped to host this community conversation at the downtown business association.She says she police are working hard. But it's frustrating to see the same young people involved in multiple cases."It's emotional and I'm not a public speaker, I'm just like a mom trying not to have her kids accidentally hit by gunfire."Meanwhile, the District Attorney made a good point from her perspective in the same meeting. "Many of the programs created by the government through funds that are funneled through the city & the county are not effective and they fail."Meanwhile, Savannah Mayor Van Johnson recently said, "We need people who are going to prosecute crimes. And we need judges who are going to sentence people." I tend to agree with the mayor, But somehow, one of 7 suspects in that mass casualty shooting in Ellis Square was already wearing an ankle bracelet when the shoot-out happened.No one wants to point the finger.But there is plenty of blame to go around.Lawmakers can send money all day, but if programs don't work, we need to scrap the plan and find another way.But ultimately, once things turn violent, offenders have to be held accountable. There’s no excuse for this revolving door.I’m Ben Hart. Thank you for sharing this time.