W.Va. Tackles Prison Problem

In the wake of repeated projections of a booming prison population, Gov. Joe Manchin has appointed a special commission to supply him with answers by July 1, The Associated Press reports.

"Division of Corrections estimates show the state inmate population will grow to 8,530 by 2012," the article said. "Manchin's executive order directs the commission to identify resources that can be spent on prison diversion programs such as community-based corrections or alternative sentencing. The commission also is to determine if additional prisons are needed."

But the article also notes that "the state Supreme Court created a seven-member panel last month to determine if the court needs to reinsert itself into the correctional system debate." The court has picked a former jail official recently fired by the Manchin administration to head its effort.