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Fear versus Rationality

By Michael Blankenship

In the rush to save money in grim budgetary times, states nationwide have trimmed their prison populations by expanding parole programs and early releases. But the result ? more convicted felons on the streets, not behind bars ? has unleashed a backlash, and state officials now find themselves trying to maneuver between saving money and maintaining the public?s sense of safety. Read more... Because of the budget crisis and because of the crowding issues that existed prior to the recession, 19 states are lowering the number of people incarcerated. So far, the data from several of these states would suggest that these releases have not increased reported crime rates.  So the appeal to fear by prosecutors and so-called anti-crime organizations  is largely pandering...continue to full post

Full post as published by The Justice Gambit on March 05, 2010 (boomark / email).