About one-third of the violent crimes in Ohio are committed by predators who have been convicted of three or more violent offenses, a recent study indicates. It prompted state Attorney General Mike DeWine to suggest legislators allow longer sentences for offenders convicted of multiple violent crimes.
DeWine hopes to have legislation ready for approval by the General Assembly this fall.
Legislators should take the recommended action, without worrying about overcrowded prisons. If new ones must be constructed to provide room for dangerous felons, so be it. More flexible sentencing for non-violent offenders may be appropriate. Clearly, however, the most dangerous should be kept locked away from society.