Gov. Mike Easley blamed sentencing laws for problems with the state's probation system.

In an interview, Easley said the principal flaw in the probation system is that sentencing laws allow too many people to avoid prison.

"The current system puts people on probation who shouldn't be on probation," he said. "Until those people are put behind bars, this is going to continue."

The N&O reported that during some years correction officials had not asked for extra people and not made an issue of vacancies. In 2005, the probation division asked for 135 new officers, but the secretary of correction, in consultation with Easley's budget officials, killed that request.

Easley said that when the legislature is asked for funding, the money doesn't come through for months. 

Susan Katzenelson, executive director of the N.C. Sentencing and Policy Advisory Commission, said she was not aware of any Easley administration initiative to toughen sentencing laws. (N&O)