Don't quite understand the position on early release prior to conviction.  The constitution says folks are considered innocent until proven guilty.  This is not popular any more, but thankfully wise folks wrote the constitution.  Folks should have the right to freedom prior to conviction.  It is usually called out on bail.  Finally, there is one very important motivational factor left out of the editorial, i.e. that the 5-year levy had the effect of reducing crime.  Since it was not mentioned, I can only assume that crime remained the same or increased proving that locking people up really makes no difference to crime and is thus a rather pointless waste of money.