We were pleased to read Jonathan Houston’s bold and thoughtful proposals for restructuring our current system of mass incarceration (“How R.I. can save money at the ACI,” Commentary, Jan. 21). His proposal appears to go far beyond the recommendations of the Criminal Justice Oversight Committee (“Proposals aim to cut inmate population,” news, Jan. 11) in projected savings. His proposal also addresses the two major causes of incarceration, mental illness and addiction, both of which can be treated more effectively, humanely and inexpensively in the community.

The costs of the current system are far more than financial. The burden on families, communities and individuals is tremendous and may ultimately undermine the very social fabric that the criminal-justice system is trying to uphold.

Bold reforms are desperately needed. Small incremental steps will not solve this problem.

SCOTT A. ALLEN, M.D.

JOSIAH D. RICH, M.D.

Providence

The writers represent the Center for Prisoner Health and Human Rights at the Miriam Hospital and Brown Medical School.