State prison numbers drop for 1st time since 1972

[Bozita]

Source: AP

State prison numbers drop for 1st time since 1972
By The Associated Press
March 17, 2010, 12:59AM


Spurred by budget crises, California and Michigan together reduced their prison populations by more than 7,500 last year, contributing to what a new report says is the first nationwide decline in the number of state inmates since 1972.

The overall drop was slight, according to the Pew Center on the States — just 0.4 percent — but its report suggests there could be a sustained downward trend because of keen interest by state policymakers in curtailing corrections costs.

"The political and policy environment has changed drastically," said Adam Gelb, director of the Pew Center's Public Safety Performance Project.

"There's now a realization on both sides of the aisle that there are research-based strategies to protect public safety and hold offenders accountable without sinking ever more public dollars into prisons," Gelb said.

Read more: http://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/2010/03/state_prison_numbers_drop_for.html

[2Design]

1. omg - that was where I was going to go for my health care - darn n/t

[Grassy Knoll]

2. Not a good report if you work there..........

layoffs, they are a cummin .

[Brother Buzz]

3. I suspect the layoffs will be few but the overtime bling will be cut to the bone...

and the guards will be pissed.


The average member of the California Correctional Peace Officers Association (CCPOA) earned around $70,000 a year and more than $100,000 with overtime. (2006 numbers)

[bluestateguy]

4. California prison guards and their union are a bunch of thugs

nt

[NNadir]

5. Sensible drug laws would probably help.

I do not advocate drug use in any way, shape or form. I'm certainly very far from the "marijauna is good for you," school of thought.

But the idea that prison is the appropriate way to deal with addiction is really reprehensible.

[Rhiannon12866]

6. Here in NY, Drug Court is keeping people out of prison.

It involves treatment, monitoring and probation, and seems to be working. A sensible idea, IMO. :-)

[NNadir]

7. That said, New York had the worst drug laws in the country for many years.

Countless lives were unnecessarily destroyed by Rockefeller's drug laws.

It was a great crime.

[Rhiannon12866]

10. I agree,

But NYS Drug Court, administered by the counties, is allowing people to avoid prison and turn their lives around. These are people who've broken the law, numerous DWIs and crimes committed to support a drug habit, but this lengthy and difficult program has been so successful that they're having two extra graduations in the next few months to accommodate all those who are eligible. :-)

[MrsBrady]

8. treatment...treatment?

what is that you speak of...

you mean they are letting pot smokers out of jail.

How horrible :sarcasm:

[Rhiannon12866]

9. Pot isn't the half of it.

We're talking about alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, pills, and whatever else is out there, those who are cross addicted, and the various crimes people commit when under the influence. It's not an easy program, requires months or years, inpatient treatment, halfway houses, supportive and transitional living, all the while reporting in for counseling, drug testing and required AA and/or NA meetings.

But if someone is willing to embrace the program, they can avoid prison time and learn to live sober. Some people choose to just do their time, and some mess up, but Drug Court teaches those who are willing to go the distance to live sober. I have a couple of friends who'll be graduating in the next few months. I met them through AA. They've turned their lives around and I'm very proud to know them... :-)