The Cost-Effectiveness Of Longer Prison Terms: A Pew Center On The States Report.pdf

The High Cost, Low Return of Longer Prison Terms - Key Findings

This Pew Center on the States report examines the impact of length of prison sentences on public safety and taxpayer costs.

Key Findings:

Length of Stay Increased Significantly: Offenders released in 2009 served an average of almost three years, 36% longer than those released in 1990.
High Costs: The extra nine months translates to a cost of $23,300 per offender, totaling over $10 billion for offenders released in 2009 alone, with half attributed to non-violent offenders.
Limited Crime Reduction: While longer sentences have contributed to crime decline, experts agree we've reached a "tipping point" where further incarceration has minimal impact on public safety.
Alternatives to Incarceration: Many states are moving towards evidence-based alternatives for lower-level offenders, demonstrating that effective public safety can be achieved with fewer prisoners and less spending.

Report Focus:

The study utilizes data from 35 states (due to insufficient reporting in others) and analyzes trends in time served by crime type over the past two decades. It also explores the relationship between length of stay and public safety through case studies in three states.

Recommendations:

The report highlights opportunities for policymakers to:

Adjust sentencing guidelines to reflect the limited benefit of longer prison terms.
Invest in effective alternative sentencing programs proven to reduce recidivism.
* Target resources more effectively towards high-risk offenders who pose a genuine threat to public safety.