Individuals convicted of minor drug offenses or driving while intoxicated are responsible for taking up bed space in Connecticut’s prisons at a high cost to taxpayers. A new policy that is estimated to save $300 million dollars from 2012 through 2013 is being examined, according to the New Haven Register. Connecticut’s Under Secretary of Policy and Management, Mike Lawlor, as indicates that Connecticut is considering two programs to help cut the state budget.
While speaking at his budget address of the impending new policy, newly appointed Governor Dannel Malloy professed, “Despite the reforms of the past decade — we are still spending money we don’t need to spend imprisoning people who, if given access to the treatment they need, would pose no threat to any of us. And who can eventually become productive members of our society. This new policy will save us millions of dollars which is a benefit of a more enlightened policy whose time I think has come.”
With the new policy, those arrested for “drug use involving less than four ounces and others serving 90days for a second driving - while - intoxicated conviction (or one-year for a third conviction )would be fitted with a GPS (global positioning system) and alcohol monitoring devices.” Drunk Driving Prisoners who are transferred to house arrest are responsible for cost that the Department of Corrections usually pays, such as meals, utilities, clothing and items such as personal hygiene items, which are some of the hidden costs of incarceration.
The second option that is being considered is allowing inmates to earn risk reduction credits that would shorten their sentences. By maintaining good behavior, working, and successfully completing courses or programs such as education, vocational training, alcohol/substance abuse education, anger management or parenting skills, an inmate could be considered for a reduced sentence. By implementing the risk reduction credit policy, Connecticut would join 38 other states which already have this policy in place.
Source: New Haven Register 2/21/11
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