Friday, January 07, 2011

Movement conservatives need to get 'right on crime'

There's a notable op ed in the Washington Post today by Newt Gingrich and Pat Nolan, declaring: "We urge conservative legislators to lead the way in addressing an issue often considered off-limits to reform: prisons. Several states have recently shown that they can save on costs without compromising public safety by intelligently reducing their prison populations." They're endorsing the Right on Crime campaign launched last month in D.C. by the Texas Public Policy Foundation, calling for "common-sense left-right agreement on an issue that has kept the parties apart for decades." And they cite Texas' example as one for other conservative states to emulate:
We can no longer afford business as usual with prisons. The criminal justice system is broken, and conservatives must lead the way in fixing it.

Several states have shown that it is possible to cut costs while keeping the public safe. Consider events in Texas, which is known to be tough on crime. Conservative Republicans joined with Democrats in adopting incentive-based funding to strengthen the state's probation system in 2005. Then in 2007, they decided against building more prisons and instead opted to enhance proven community corrections approaches such as drug courts. The reforms are forecast to save $2 billion in prison costs over five years.

The Lone Star State has already redirected much of the money saved into community treatment for the mentally ill and low-level drug addicts. Not only have these reforms reduced Texas's prison population - helping to close the state budget gap - but for the first time there is no waiting list for drug treatment in the state. And crime has dropped 10 percent from 2004, the year before the reforms, through 2009, according to the latest figures available, reaching its lowest annual rate since 1973. 
The op ed concludes:
Some people attribute the nation's recent drop in crime to more people being locked up. But the facts show otherwise. While crime fell in nearly every state over the past seven years, some of those with the largest reductions in crime have also lowered their prison population. Compare Florida and New York. Over the past seven years, Florida's incarceration rate has increased 16 percent, while New York's decreased 16 percent. Yet the crime rate in New York has fallen twice as much as Florida's. Put another way, although New York spent less on its prisons, it delivered better public safety.

Americans need to know that we can reform our prison systems to cost less and keep the public safe. We hope conservative leaders across the country will join with us in getting it right on crime.

19 comments:

Prison Doc said...

I hope that editorials such as this from prominent conservatives will help start changing some attitudes, but it is hard for people far removed from the situation to really understand. As a religious right-wing conservative myself, one of my greatest frustrations is that so many of my brethren still feel that a law enforcement approach is the best way to deal with substance abuse.

I hope that factors like "Right on Crime" and the budget woes can work together to produce some change.

Anonymous said...

Yep, drug offenders aren't dangerous at all! Why do I get the feeling that "right on crime" will, in time, become synonymous with "soft on crime."

Anonymous said...

I see prisons as large, slow moving windmills.

Go get 'em, Don.

Rage

Anonymous said...

Off the topic....

Today's Longview News Journal

Deadly lockup: Young mother's death in jail should prompt review of jail procedures

http://www.news-journal.com/opinion/article_8d8b17f8-1eff-59fa-af03-f203acb8091e.html

The jail had just recently passed a TCJS inspection but after the investigation of this death the jail was deemed to be non-compliant. At least one jailer is being accused of falsifying the log.

I have argued these inspections by TCJS are meaningless as exampled above. Just as soon as that inspector leaves a jail can become non-compliant in many areas.

What is the answer?

everyone has a story said...

I just got through doing a 2 yr. state jail sentence for poss. cont. sub. 0.14 of a gram of rock cocaine,street value a staggering 10 dollars.I was arrested April fools day 2006 in Morris co. Tx. In Jan. of 2007. I plea bargained too 2 yrs. probation and fines and court cost (among other fees)totaling to $4200.00 which in turn resulted into $172.00 a month payment to the probation dept.When I was put on probation that day,I walked into the courthouse door and 15 min. later I walked out that same door back to the same thing that was destroying my life and the people I loved.My probation was revoked a year and a half later after I went to my P.O. and told him I was using drugs.The only way out for me was to turn myself in (not easy)I knew I would have to go to jail to get me off drugs because I could not find help anywhere else without admitting that I was using drugs and being revoked anyway "CLUE"(that's another story)and I obviously could not help myself.well I was revoked July 1,2008. I took the stand and begged for treatment,help and mercy of the court too the Judge (Jimmy White).I had to do something being my lawyer was just complaining about being hungry(Jerry Pratt Jr.)It took every once of courage I had to get up there in front of the whole courtroom and beg.When I stood up to be sentenced the Judge said Mr.wells, I'm going to help you, two years of it in Bradshaw state jail(another story)although most in the courtroom thought that to be humorous,I did not. The only thing that got me off of drugs was me.not the court and not Bradshaw state jail that doesn't even have AA program let alone NA.Anyway just thought I would get that off my chest.If you want to see who I am,my e-mail is bandwells@yahoo.com.My name is Joseph R. Wells,I was born in Mt. Pleasent Tx.on 9/12/1958 I'm 52 yrs. old I'm from Ore city.Tx. I have nothing to hide. feel free to use my e-mail to find my facebook and you may discover I'm not that much different from you

kaptinemo said...

It's been said before that when we can no longer afford the "Tough on crime!"/"lock 'em up and throw away the key!" approach, the pols would change the rhetoric. And here it is.

Yepper, 'bout time to cut back on the prison/industrial complex gorging itself at the public trough. And for how many years have drug law reformers been arguing the same point? Long before the latest crop of self-described 'conservatives' have, that's for sure

The fiscal writing was on the wall, five stories high, in big block letters written in red ink, for years. All the way back to the Recession of 1999/2000.

So now that writing is finally being acknowledged...years and years too late, for the damage is done.

We're trillions in the hole, now, and there's not much money left for vitally needed things like social safety net programs like unemployment insurance.

So, now, it really is 'guns or butter' time. And the people want butter, because they can't the eat guns their tax dollars bought during the incarceration orgy.. So the rhetoric changes.

So predictable...

Anonymous said...

We will always be tough on crime. Criminals will see to it.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous said...
I see prisons as large, slow moving windmills.

Go get 'em, Don.

Rage

1/07/2011 08:56:00 AM

ACTUALLY, THAT WAS THE DANIEL UNIT!

Curoshma said...

STOP EXCESSIVE SENTENCES ON AFRICAN AMERICAN MALES
There are 213,000 men/women in these federal prisons. They are over crowded causing unsafe issues for both correctional officiers and themselves. The one size fit all is not working. Reinstate Federal parole and HR1475 "Good Time Bill ". Use the 528 million to train, educate and create jobs for these men/women. Stop building prisons for everybody. Build companies that employee people. Correctional institute what does it mean to correct how do you correct? My name is not Felon or Inmate. When I have served my time the dues have been paid by my youth being taken. Do not hold me hostage the rest of my life. YOU KNOW I CAN NOT GET A JOB OR ATTEND SCHOOL WITH THESE LABELS. Restore my name and human rights. I am a human that live in a society with other humans.

Anonymous said...

Joe Wells, What a great story.
You have a lot to be proud of.
I wish you the best in your recovery. You can do it. FREE AT LAST !!

Anonymous said...

To Joseph Wells...
Well said, sir. I was down for 10 years, and it was me who rehabilitated me. TDCJ didn't do anything for me, except feed me and put me to work. It's up to the inmate to rehabilitate themselves, as you have done. My prayers go up for you, that you succeed and achieve your dreams.

Anonymous said...

W O W!!!!

Anonymous said...

I was down for 10 years, and it was me who rehabilitated me. TDCJ didn't do anything for me, except feed me and put me to work. It's up to the inmate to rehabilitate themselves.

WHAT AN INCREDIBLY SIMPLE STATEMENT OF FACT!

Curoshma said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Curoshma said...

HISTORY OF PRISONS REPEAT THEMSELVES WITH WORKHOUSES AND INCARCERATION FOR PROFIT. THE CRIES OF THE OPPRESSED
I see that finally common sense is starting to work about prisons when it hits a person's pocket book...The way that things have been set in place was based on greed and not justice...so everything is a debt now rather than prison...for profit...ideologies...especially with all of the injustices that have been on-going for centuries ..it's just that the last few years of an outburst of technological growth have changed the financial landscape so much that it has put a strain on the economy, prisons, jobs, education, etc....so now its time for a common sense approach and for justice to begin to be built on truth...can you believe that its over 60 millions laws on the books in effect...this is like a paper trail on the nation at large because no one can know all of the laws on the books in 10 lifetimes...anyway...it is very helpful to know that people are realizing that a different approach to mass incarceration for non-violent offenses that could have been managed in a more less expensive and efficient way.

titfortat said...

Your statements confuse me Mr. Wells would you please clarify by explaining your position.

Are you saying that probation did not work for you?

Are you saying that incarceration works?

Are you saying that being placed on probation set you up to fail?

Are you saying that probation did not offer help?

It is my opinion and I have stated it here on this blog several times that it is my belief that a straight probation based on recidivism (only) would be beneficial and that more probationers would have a successful outcome. It is my belief that the criminal justice system is a revolving cycle that promotes the incarceration of poor people.

I feel treatment, drug testing, paying probation fees, and keeping required appointments with probation officers places financial and time requirements on probationers that conflict with their ability to work, schedule their day to day lives and pay their bills and that these burdens make it almost impossible to have a successful outcome for those with means and impossible for those without.

I feel that if the reward for successfully completing probation meant not being convicted of another crime while on probation with the final result being that a criminal record is erased gives a real chance for probationers to live a normal life and is a real incentive for them to achieve success.

I feel that while on probation a person’s criminal record should remain unblemished with no record of arrest or probation.

I feel that all non-violent offenders should be given the ability to pursue a normal life again without a scarlet letter that follows them till death.

I feel that for those who return to crime the possibility of incarceration and an (extension of the probation period) should be on a graduated scale strictly for the purpose of punishment beginning with spending a couple of weekends in jail, never to exceed a one month sentence and then released and given the opportunity to change their own life circumstances with a strict three strikes and you’re out policy.

After a fourth offense (while on probation) repeat offenders have then made the choice of extended incarceration with no possibility of ever receiving probation again and the scarlet letter that comes with having a criminal background.

I feel for those who successfully complete probation, any future criminal conviction should be considered a first offense.

Please respond as I feel the views of those who have gone through the criminal justice system provide insight that is overlooked. If I am wrong in my assessment I would prefer hearing it from someone like you.

everyone has a story said...

titfortat,have you considered running for Governor??I totally agree with everything you said.It actually gave me hope that there is still intelligent life out there. please keep in mind that these opinion's are based on drug related charges and a addiction that had taken over my life(I needed help).as for your first question,it was a complete failure and a waste of time for everyone involved including the court.jumping to your third question,I can't help but think the court knew i would fail as they have seen many like me come before the court and fail.It was obvious I was a addict.I would guess out of the county I was in (morris)9 out of 10 addicts put on probation on drug charges or any other charge failed probation if addicted to a non legal or legal substance.I wouldn't be surprised to find that # is even higher.As bad as I hate to admit this,and this is going too hurt,incarceration was the only answer for me.(OCHH)but not the type the state offered.I had to be removed from society I believe,but not for 2yrs. which I thought was extremely harsh and cruel.Not only to me but to my wife and kids and my family.Although I brought this all on myself and do not blame the state or anyone else. your last question,the help probation offered was to put a financial burden on me I just couldn't bare which carried over to my family.I was already spending just about every penny I made on my drug habit,sad yes, but true.as far as the probation dept. as long as I was making my payments life was good,when I couldn't pay life was not so good.I could go on and on.I'd like to thank 7:18pm and 7:52pm for there words of encouragement and the few mins. they took of there time to make me feel good about myself and to not give up hope that things can get better. And you of course for caring.also to scott for tackling these important issues and the millions of hours of his own time he's invested into this for the betterment of society.it's funny how in Washington there worried about what type of plastic forks they get in the cafeteria and get paid and ya'll do this for free.I was bench warrant back to the county from BRADSHAW to participate in a program that probable saved my life. I will tell you about it if you would like to know.

everyone has a story said...

titfortat,have you considered running for Governor??I totally agree with everything you said.It actually gave me hope that there is still intelligent life out there. please keep in mind that these opinion's are based on drug related charges and a addiction that had taken over my life(I needed help).as for your first question,it was a complete failure and a waste of time for everyone involved including the court.jumping to your third question,I can't help but think the court knew i would fail as they have seen many like me come before the court and fail.It was obvious I was a addict.I would guess out of the county I was in (morris)9 out of 10 addicts put on probation on drug charges or any other charge failed probation if addicted to a non legal or legal substance.I wouldn't be surprised to find that # is even higher.As bad as I hate to admit this,and this is going too hurt,incarceration was the only answer for me.(OCHH)but not the type the state offered.I had to be removed from society I believe,but not for 2yrs. which I thought was extremely harsh and cruel.Although I brought this all on myself and do not blame the state or anyone else. your last question,the help probation offered was to put a financial burden on me I just couldn't bare which carried over to my family.I was already spending just about every penny I made on my drug habit,sad yes, but true.as far as the probation dept. as long as I was making my payments life was good,when I couldn't pay life was not so good.I could go on and on.I'd like to thank 7:18pm and 7:52pm for there words of encouragement and the few mins. they took of there time to make me feel good about myself and to not give up hope that things can get better. And you of course for caring.also to scott for tackling these important issues and the millions of hours of his own time he's invested into this for the betterment of society.I was bench warrant back to the county from BRADSHAW to participate in a program that probable saved my life. I will tell you about it if you would like to know.

titfortat said...

You’re stating that (A) you felt incarceration was your only option, and (B) you were eventually given treatment which you feel saved you from your own self destruction.

Please be honest to yourself with the answer to my next question.

Do you feel that the inability to meet the requirements of probation contributed in any way to your drug dependency, or do you feel that you would have continued to abuse anyway even if you had been given the ability to have served out a straight probation with no requirements other than (do not commit another crime)?

everyone has a story said...

(A)only because there were no other options available to me nor offered. Incarceration is not the answer. I believe in house treatment of some kind would have saved the state thousands of dollars just on me alone.I don't know what it cost to house a Inmate for two years, but I guess well over 50 thousand dollars if not more.Think about that.what would treatment cost? $2500. I could get a one on one with Dr. Drew of celebrity rehab for half that amount.somebody pinch me,I must be dreaming.