Mandatory minimum sentences for drug charges should be eliminated, according to the NAACP. This would significantly reduce the time prisoners spend in jail on drug charges. Additionally, given that drug charges make up the majority of nonviolent crimes in prison, this would significantly reduce the number of nonviolent offenders. According to the Sentencing Project, “Trends in US Correctional Facilities,” 53% of criminals incarcerated in state prisons have committed violent crimes and 5.9% of criminals incarcerated in federal prisons have committed violent crimes (Sentencing Project) . This shows that nearly half of criminals incarcerated in state prisons and an overwhelming majority of criminals incarcerated in federal prisons have not committed violent crimes. According to the New York Times editorial division, the government must “provide more opportunities for prison reentry.” Use alternatives to imprisonment for nonviolent offenders, drug offenders, and the mentally ill. Release elderly or sick prisoners, who are least likely to reoffend” (End Mass Incarceration Now). This article argues that prisoners who have not committed violent crimes should have alternatives to prison, such as drug treatment or other forms of penal reform. This could drive away a large number of people