Criminal Justice Reform Can't Wait

Michigan's prison population has increased nearly 600 percent since 1973. And the Department of Corrections’ (DOC) expenses and workforce have reached record levels, with three out of every 10 state employees working for the DOC. Currently, the Corrections budget comprises nearly one-fifth of the state's discretionary spending. Meanwhile, of the eight states that border the Great Lakes, Michigan has the highest rate of incarceration. About one-third of the state's 51,000 prison inmates are parole-eligible but are still imprisoned at a cost of about $30,000 each per year. There is no single reason for these numbers. Increases in felony convictions, recidivism rates and prisoner rule violations are swelling the ranks of inmates. Meanwhile, stiffer sentencing guidelines, reductions in parole approvals, and an overall tougher stance on crime are increasing the average stay.

There is also no single solution to this challenge. But one fact is clear. State leaders and DOC officials must take a hard look at crime and punishment in Michigan and we must work together—the Legislature, law enforcement and local communities—to assure that we use our resources wisely without jeopardizing public safety.

Several approaches have been recommended to reduce jail overcrowding, including expansion of programs that address pretrial release, residential treatment, and mentally ill offenders. Gov. Granholm has also proposed several changes in the way Michigan punishes nonviolent criminals. We have to make responsible decisions in order to ensure that the appropriate punishment is being given for the crimes that are being committed by these criminal offenders.

Most recently, the Governor's proposal to fund Mental Health Courts in Michigan’s FY 2008-09 budget was approved by the State Senate. Mental Health Courts would allow judges to direct people with mental illness charged with minor offenses to treatment rather than jail.

Michigan has been a pioneer in the drug treatment court movement as well, establishing the first program in 1992. Today, there are currently 80 drug treatment courts in the state of Michigan. The effectiveness of drug treatment courts in reducing recidivism and substance abuse is well documented nationwide and is associated with participants’ successful completion of drug court programs. It’s a great way to rehabilitate those struggling with addiction while diverting them from the prison system that is less suited to assist them. Drug treatment courts also save millions of taxpayer dollars.

The FY 2008-09 Corrections budget also includes funding for prisoner reintegration programs, such as the Michigan Prisoner Re-entry Initiative (MPRI), which provides inmates with the necessary tools to be successful when returning to the community, including job training, housing assistance, documentation for state-issued ID cards, and if necessary, referral to mental health, substance abuse, and public health services.

All parties involved agree that justice must be served for anyone who breaks the law. But in view of Michigan's increasing and aging prison population and the state's dire financial straits, we must seek realistic and humane solutions.