The U.S. has become the world's leading jailer, housing 22.4% of the world's inmates, but has only 4.6% of its population. Myth: The staggering, budget-breaking price tag of this hyper-incarceration is justified by our low crime rates. Reality: Connecticut's prison population has soared from 3,800 to 17,000 since 1980, mostly with non-violent drug users. Annual spending on prisons now exceeds $1 billion at $51,000/year to house each inmate. Yet, hyper- incarceration has a negligible impact on public safety. Over 95% of Connecticut's prisoners are eventually released, most without adequate...
The U.S. has become the world's leading jailer, housing 22.4% of the world's inmates, but has only 4.6% of its population. Myth: The staggering, budge...
