RAPID CITY, S.D.(HubCityRadio)- A legislative study committee is at work examining some of the reasons South Dakota has an overcrowded prison system.

Colorado’s Civic and Criminal Justice Principal Amanda Essex looked to try to define recidivism.

Pennington County State’s Attorney Laura Roetzel says those practices are guided by the mindset of the people.

Roetzel break down the type of inmates in prison based in Pennington County.

Roetzel address the issue of possible use of rogue sentencing.

Roetzel discuss sentencing reform.

Pennington County Public Defender’s Office Director Eric Whitcher talks about prior to being director his career as a Criminal Defense Attorney.

Whitcher talks about one program he would like to see done statewide.

Senator Carl Perry is a member of this summer study and told the committee about what a resident shared with him to present to them.

Perry inform the committee about those who go to prison had opportunities to rehabilitate themselves in the past.

Committee members are focused on rehabilitation and treatment, as they recognize that the large majority of inmates will be released back into society and need help in making the transition.