§15A-3-1. Purpose and legislative intent.

(a) The primary purpose of the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation is to enhance public safety by providing for the detention of juvenile offenders, both pretrial and adjudicated, pretrial detention of adult persons facing criminal charges, and incarceration and care of adult convicted offenders who have been sentenced by courts of proper jurisdiction to serve terms of incarceration.

(b) It is the intent of the Legislature:

(1) That juveniles and adult offenders be afforded appropriate education and treatment to reestablish their ability to live peaceably, consistent with the protection of the community;

(2) That persons held in pretrial detention, and committed to jails and correctional institutions of the state for whom release is available for crimes, be afforded appropriate treatment to reestablish their ability to live peaceably, consistent with the protection of the community;

(3) That persons committed to jails and correctional institutions of the state be released at the earliest possible date, consistent with public safety;

(4) To establish a just, humane, and efficient corrections program; and

(5) To avoid duplication and waste of effort and money on the part of public and private agencies.

(c) This chapter shall be construed in favor of public safety.