A new law signed by California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger this week will allow nonviolent offenders to shorten their time on parole by attending addiction treatment, the Los Angeles Times reported Oct. 4.

Eligible offenders include those convicted of nonviolent drug or property crimes. Parolees must complete at least six months of treatment to have their sentences reduced. Offenders who qualify will be sent to treatment upon release from prison, and freed from probation upon completion of the program. Those who do not participate typically stay on probation for up to three years.

"This is good policy because it adds a carrot to the stick we use so heavily in parole in this state," said UC Irvine criminologist Joan Petersilia. "The research shows that if you give people incentives, they are more likely to stay involved in treatment and succeed."

The measure won broad support, including from the union representing California's prison guards. Parolees "who demonstrate that level of commitment to treatment deserve recognition for their effort," said Lance Corcoran, a spokesperson for the California Peace Officers Association. "It's a concept worth supporting. The only question is how they are going to come up with enough drug-treatment beds for everybody who qualifies."

State officials predict that the law will save the state millions of dollars in parole supervision costs. A spokesperson for Schwarzenegger said the governor believes the law will protect the public and reduce recidivism.