One in 31The Long Reach of American Corrections

Adam Gelb, DirectorPublic Safety Performance ProjectPew Center on the States

National Partnership onAlcohol Misuse and CrimeNovember 10, 2009

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Window of Opportunity for a New Approach

• Advances in Science of Behavior Change, Supervision Technology

– Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment, Motivational Interviewing

– Third generation risk assessment tools

– Accurate, on site, rapid-result drug screens, GPS, alcohol monitoring

• Public Attention Elsewhere, Supportive of Alternatives

– Crime/drugs low on public radar amidst economy, health care, wars

– Polls regularly show 70% (+/-) support concept of “alternatives” for “non-violent”

• Trend toward Managing for Results

– Shift in focus from inputs/outputs to outcomes across government

• Fiscal Crisis

– State corrections spending now over $50B per year

– Second fastest growing state budget category behind Medicaid

– 1 in 15 general fund dollars; 5 states spending more on prisons than higher ed

• Diminishing Returns on Public Safety

– Growing evidence and recognition that we can’t “build our way out”

12Source: Vera Institute of Justice

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Cost Cutting Strategies in Corrections

1. Operating Efficiencies

2. Recidivism Reduction Strategies

3. Sentencing and Release Policies

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Cutting Corrections CostsOperating Efficiencies

1. Reduce Health Services (medical, mental, dental)

2. Reduce Food Services3. Eliminate Pay Increases, Reduce

Benefits/Overtime4. Reduce Staff or Freeze Hiring5. Eliminate/Reduce Programs or Renegotiate

Contracts6. Close/Consolidate Facilities7. Delay Expansion or Construction of New

Facilities

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Cutting Corrections CostsRecidivism Reduction Strategies

1. Sort Offenders by Risk to Public Safety2. Base Interventions on Science3. Harness Technology4. Impose Swift and Certain Sanctions5. Create Incentives for Success6. Measure Progress

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Cutting Corrections CostsSentencing and Release Policies

1. Redefine Criminal Offenses2. Reclassify Criminal Offenses3. Expand Eligibility for Community Corrections4. Strengthen Non-Prison Alternatives/Reentry5. Relax Mandatory Minimum Sentences6. Reduce Time-to-Serve Requirements7. Establish Sentencing Information

Systems/Guidelines

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Cutting Corrections CostsTake Away

EfficienciesAre Necessary

But NotSufficient

One in 31The Long Reach of American Corrections

Adam Gelb, DirectorPublic Safety Performance ProjectPew Center on the States

National Partnership onAlcohol Misuse and CrimeNovember 10, 2009