New Legislation Aimed at Easing Pa. Prison Overcrowding

New Legislation Aimed at Easing Pa. Prison Overcrowding
October 28, 2008

News Summary

Thanks to new legislation, more prisoners in Pennsylvania without any history of violent offenses are eligible for early release -- a policy change seen as a possible answer to the state's growing problem of prison overcrowding, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported Oct. 27.

Prisons in the state are operating over capacity by 8 percent, and the state Corrections Department projects that Pennsylvania's overall prison populations will reach 57,000 by the end of 2012. Advocates hope the the new law will help clear space in cramped prisons for the most serious offenders.

The new legislation offers nonviolent inmates an opportunity to complete programs to help facilitate their transition back to society, including drug treatment, literacy, and anger management programs. In return, participating prisoners would be eligible for early release.

The decision on whether an inmate is considered "violent" or "nonviolent" will be made by the state corrections department and the Board of Probation and Parole.

"The incentives would encourage nonviolent inmates to follow a path that gives them a much better chance at re-entering society without committing new crimes," said House Speaker Dennis O'Brien (R), who backed the legislation.

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:

Posted by dmobe on 04 Nov 08 02:54 AM EST

I think this is great legislation that is much overdue. However, I am wary of drug offenders who have an increased propensity to commit violent crimes. Drug commerce and violence are inextricable.

Posted by Chip on 10 Nov 08 05:15 PM EST

This sounds good but the reality of the situation is that predjudice, especially towards drug offences, keep people from getting jobs, an education, and in some states even a drivers license. Years ago prisoners had the chance to take collage classes or recieve vocational training while in jail that gave them real oppertunities upon release instead of anger management(for non-violent offenders)and drug treatment that only works if there are employment oppertunities. Giving people drug treatment while in jail then kicking them out the door to nothing does nothing.

Posted by Jeff on 15 Nov 08 07:08 PM EST

We should not should limit our consideration to offenders deemed nonviolent. Most offenders suffer from substance abuse issues and should be addressed. What one may do under the influence one may not normally do. Dealing with only certain types of offenders we risk not dealing with other types of people who also need help. Some individuals think that when you lock up a bank robber, child molester, etc, you are removing a career criminal. Perhaps but not always. How many of these people have also been victims? They may have substance abuse issues if addressed properly could allow them to live productive lives. I do not feel that we should throw people away because we don't care for their actions. If we work toward addressing substance issues for ALL incarcerated people society would be much better off. Reentry to society is so very tough and almost impossible for some individuals. It gives me hope for the future of all of family members who are incarcerated. Not the few society finds palatable. As a criminal justice professional I encourage involvement in appropriate safe transition work for returning community members.

Posted by dollar on 17 Nov 08 02:00 PM EST

Lesson in Economics! The prison poulation is becoming geriatric. The inmates who are elderly are most costly to the system. Lifers who have been convicted of murder in the 2nd degree are punished the same as 1st degree murder. Parole reviews for those convicted in the 2nd degree ought to be offered at some time, say 25 years served and 50 years of age. These inmates who have served this much time have very low recidivism rates nation wide. Most are stable model prisoners and yet never heard of. Lawmakers want to us to forget the most costly inmates to justify costs.

Posted by Doug on 20 Nov 08 05:10 PM EST

I have no problem with an early release program for non-violent criminals, even drug offenders, but the problem is that those released for drug offenses have a hard time getting a normal job so a lot of them revert back to the only thing they know how to do: Dealing drugs

Posted by RMF on 11 Jan 09 02:22 AM EST

I agree with all of you. You out point out that this programs sounds great. Yet when many prisoners r released they have no real oppotunity 2 find work. Are their programs out there where incentives are given to employers who employ such individuals? If not that would certainly be an option to consider. Many of us have or have had a family member in prison and it actually sucks to see that there is no real opportunity to reform if not given a chance. Considering that we are so overpopulated and that our average sentence is one of the longest in the country is something that needs to be addressed immediately. Saving taxpayers money is also an issue. Dollar I certainly agree that most older men who are model prisoners should have the opportunity to reenter society b/c they do cost the most to retain (ie meds) and the odds of them recommiting a crime are much lesser than that of a younger person. Jeff and Doug also point out that whhich I have previously mentioned. Of course these people will reoffend if they can find wok that can help them pay their bills. Where's their options? These prisoners are human and should not be housed in a way that can become dangerous or life threatening.

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