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Reducing Dallas jail's "debtor prison" function would save money, reduce overcrowding

By Gritsforbreakfast

Debtors prisons have been outlawed in the United States in every circumstance but one: When the government is the Creditor.But the economics of debtors prisons don't work well on a large scale, particularly when operated and paid for by said sole Creditor. The expense of exacting the punishment for non-payment can easily cost more than it would have simply to reduce the debt for those who could not pay.The City of Dallas is pondering a program to reduce unnecessary incarceration in the county jail for people who can't or don't pay traffic tickets, reports the Dallas News ("Plan to eliminate jail time for fine-only offenses could save Dallas $1 million per year," April 20):The city of Dallas may open a 24-hour court to immediately process people arrested for many minor infractions, which could eventually save the city about $1 million a year...continue to full post

Full post as published by Grits for Breakfast on April 20, 2008 (boomark / email).