Successful Rehab Leads to N.Y. Prison Closures January 28, 2004
News Summary
Alternative programs such as placing nonviolent drug offenders in treatment rather than jail are enabling the state of New York to close prisons -- a move that runs counter to national trends -- the Associated Press reported Jan. 23.According to State Corrections Commissioner Glenn Goord, two minimum-security prisons and a work-release facility will be closed. In addition, 645 beds will be eliminated, and staff will be reduced in six medium-security prisons.
The prison closings are projected to save the state $18 million.
Goord says the state's prison population declined from 71,898 inmates in December 1999 to 65,125 in January 2003. By March 31, 2005, the prison population is expected to fall to 64,100.
Since 1995, 56,000 nonviolent prisoners enrolled in addiction treatment or academic or vocational programs have been given early release.
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