People can change with right support

Regarding the article on sex offenders ('Long-term paroles for sex offenses on the rise,” Aug. 17), I believe people can and do change, with support systems such as counseling, mentors, group therapy and churches.

In the state of Iowa, we have a law called special sentencing, a sentence imposed after a person has already served their initial sentence. This gives people either a life time parole or additional 10 years parole. This is what causes the system to be over burdened because of the increased load on probation/parole officers, as well as sending people back to prison for technicalities not related to their original crimes.

Contrary to popular belief, there are people who have committed sex crimes that are working hard to change and some probation/parole officers know this to be true.

Arlo D. Pelley Jr.

Marion