Incarceration Vs. Treatment Essay, Research Paper
Incarceration vs. Treatment
The focus of this paper is incarceration versus treatment of low level drug offenders in California. The viewpoint in favor of incarceration is supported by the deterrence and incapacitation theory. This theory promotes increased arrests, prosecutions, and prison sentences as the primary means to dissuade drug use and street crime by removing the offender from the community. The theory further states that by implementing stricter sanctions targeting low level drug offenders further reduces drug related crime by increasing the personal costs of drug use among incipient users. Opposing arguments state that by simply punishing the offender it does not address the underlying causes of drug use and addiction. The people that hold this standpoint feel treatment would be an effective solution. My viewpoint coincides with the later argument. I feel the costs as well as the effectiveness of treatment outweigh that of incarceration. I plan to discuss costs and effectiveness respectively, in regards to each viewpoint.
According to the California Department of Corrections (CDC), it costs an average of $21,470 per year to house an inmate in a California state prison. The breakdown of this amount is as follows (in average costs per year): $193 reception/ diagnosis, $9,833 security, $3,263 health care, $6,892 cost of living, and $1,288 for inmate work/training. In addition, Pape of Los Angeles states that the capital cost of building one prison cell is approximately $80,000. Focusing on treatment, the estimated annual cost is $2,500 per offender (Pape). Take for instance a 200-person sample. It would cost nearly 4.3 million dollars to house those 200 people in a California state prison versus the cost of approximately $500,000 for those same 200 hundred people to participate in an offender specific drug treatment program. Not to mention the “on-street” savings of the offenders who successfully complete the program and become employed, discontinue welfare, and pay taxes. In regards to the cost aspect of incarceration versus treatment, considering the above stated figures, treatment is heavily beneficial.
California leads the nation in the number of drug offenders incarcerated. The statistic is a staggering 132 per 100,000 of the population versus a national average of 45 per 100,000 of the population. In 1999, 12,749 Californians were sent to prison for low level drug offenses, such as possession. This is an increase of over 20-fold compared to the 379 Californians sent to prison for the same crime in 1980(Justice Policy Institute). Though overall crime is down in California, data show that stricter drug enforcement in regards to low level offenses is not associated with the decline in crime rates or drug use. Continuing, increased arrests of low-level drug offenders are significantly correlated with slower declines in property crime, and an increase in violent crime (Justice Policy Institute). According to Pape, those who complete a drug treatment program are four times less likely to be arrested for criminal activity. As veteran district attorney of 30 years, Gil Garcetti states in support of treatment programs “…from my own experience, I realize the proper response to people’s drug addictions isn’t to send them to prison.” As further support, an independent five year study funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse shows that 63% of low level offenders incarcerated and not in a treatment program were reincarcerated for a drug related crime within a year of their release (Mullen 118). The overwhelming figures on both sides of the spectrum are in favor of treatment versus of incarceration of low level drug offenders.
In closing, here is a reiteration of the facts supporting the use of drug treatment programs versus incarceration for low level drug offenders. The overpowering figures in regards to cost exhibit the millions that could be potentially saved if California focuses its energy towards treatment and not incarceration. The figures displaying the effectiveness in regards to crime rate and reincarceration for the same offense also show heavy support for treatment programs. I feel the implementation of treatment programs over incarceration for low level drug offenders would be greatly beneficial for both the offender as well as the state of California.
54e
California Department of Corrections. “The cost of housing an Inmate.” {cdc.state.ca.us/inmtctst.htm}.
Justice Policy Institute. “Drug and Justice: An Examination of California Drug Policy Enforcement.” October 2000: 1-13. {cjcj/cadrug/cadrug.html}.
Mullen, Rod. “California Program Reduces Recidivism and Saves Tax Dollars.” Corrections Today v58 August 1996: 118+
Pape, Eric. “The Dope Show.” Los Angeles 44 no5 May 1999: 36+
Другие работы по теме:
Consumer Compliant Essay Research Paper May 15
Consumer Compliant Essay, Research Paper May, 15 1999 Consumer Affairs Inc.P.O. Box 5555Atlanta, GA 5555-5555 Ladies and GentlemenI am now thoroughly upset with your treatment of me throughout the ordeal I havebeen put through.
Crime And Prison Population Essay Research Paper
The answer to this question is astounding: the U.S. incarcerates 25% of the world s prison population with only 7% of the world s population. This is a disturbing anamoly in the history of the world. Never before has a country been able to incarcerate so many people at such a high rate, two million and 1 in 127 respectively.
Inhumane Treatment Essay Research Paper When groups
Inhumane Treatment Essay, Research Paper When groups and nations come into conflict, they sometimes act in inhumane ways. They use cruel and harsh treatment toward others. Two conflicts that occurred between 1900 and 1945 that resulted in the inhumane treatment of people are the Nazi Holocaust and the Salt March.
TwoWay Between Subjects Anova Essay Research Paper
TWO-WAY BETWEEN SUBJECTS ANOVA People with Generalized Anxiety disorder (GAD) had a mean of 5 (With 1 being poor mental health to 10 being excellent mental health). People with Major depression (MD) had a mental health mean of 4.266. The means were found to differ significantly from a Two-way analysis of variance, F (1,24)=5.26, p=.029.
Sociology Of Corrections Essay Research Paper Typically
Sociology Of Corrections Essay, Research Paper Typically, there are four justifications for punishment that are still used today in the United States: Retribution, deterrence, incapication, and rehabilitation. There are many ways of reaching these justifications besides prison today, which are made to help the current problems in the criminal justice system.
Incarceration Essay Research Paper As a young
Incarceration Essay, Research Paper As a young black teenage male, Isa Santiago, was incarcerated for five years, with federal convictions for, carrying a controlled substance- narcotics and having unregistered firearms and ammunition, classified as 924C. He believes thatincarceration can be beneficially to individuals who seek rehabilitation.
Incarceration Essay Research Paper Incarceration Traditional vs
Incarceration Essay, Research Paper Incarceration, Traditional vs. Alternative Crime is defined as an act or an omission of an act against society. Unfortunately, crime has plagued all of mankind throughout time. Equally, there has always been a question about the methods of dealing with these criminals.
Mentally Ill In Jail Essay Research Paper
Mentally ill in jail The articles inform that more mentally ill people are in jail than in hospitals. According to statistics 159,000 of mentally ill are presently incarcerated in jails and prisons, mostly of crimes committed because they were not being treated. Some of them become violent and may terrorize their families and neighborhoods.
Jane Eyre Essay Research Paper Jane EyreAfter
Jane Eyre Essay, Research Paper Jane Eyre After reading the novel Jane Eyre, I found that a lot of things that happened to her would have been different if she had been attractive. Obviously her treatment by Mrs. Reed and company would have been improved. She would have been considered delicate, and people would not have abused her.
Revolving Door Justice Essay Research Paper Revolving
Revolving Door Justice Essay, Research Paper Revolving Door Justice 1) Plea Bargaining is when a person may agree to lesser crime as to not clog up the jury system but when this can be made the accused will wait for a good deal. I think that this is a bad idea because it makes it seem like the justice system can be bought or bargained with and laws can be bent.
MersaultSisyphus Essay Research Paper Mersault Sisyphus
Mersault-Sisyphus Essay, Research Paper Mersault Sisyphus Sisyphus was given a punishment by the gods, to push a rock up ahill, only to have it fall down on him again. Mersault is a personaccused of murder who has spent over a year in jail. What both thesecharacters have come to realize is that they are forced to live in thesesituations created by the gods, therefore they might as well enjoy orget used to them.
Incarceration Of Men Women And Juveniles Essay
, Research Paper Prison populations have been on the raise since the early 1970s. Today we incarcerate over 2 million men, women and juveniles in the various correctional facilities around the country. These facilities can range from local jails or detention facilities to the new so called “Supermax” prisons.
A Change Is Needed Essay Research Paper
It’s been two years since Gen. Barry McCaffrey, the nation’s drug czar under the Democratic Clinton administration, urged reform of the state’s harsh Rockefeller Drug Laws. During that time, much in the debate has changed, but one constant remains: The Rockefeller statutes are still on the books, as Draconian as ever, and still in need of urgent reform.
The Treatment Of Manic Depression Now And
Then Essay, Research Paper The Treatment of Manic Depression, Now and Then The treatment of manic depression has changed through the years. This essay will compare the view and treatment of manic depression in the sixties, to the view and
Scoliosis Essay Research Paper ScoliosisEveryone
Scoliosis Essay, Research Paper Scoliosis Everyone’s spine has curves. These curves produce the normal rounding of the shoulder and the sway of the lower back. A spine with scoliosis has abnormal
Treatment Of The Prisoners In The Concentration
Camps Essay, Research Paper Interdisciplinary Research Research Proposal The Treatment of the Prisoners in the Concentration Camps The topic that I plan to focus on in my research paper is treatment inside different concentration camps during the Holocaust. I plan to focus on three different camps, but I have not narrowed down my choices yet.
Boot Camps Essay Research Paper Boot CampsThe
Boot Camps Essay, Research Paper Boot Camps The history and explanation of how these institutions are operated The increase in violent behavior amongst America’s youth has prompted the implementation of more effective rehabilitation methods. With the percentage of non-violent offenders on the rise, prison incarceration or juvenile detention doesn’t seem to be the right solution for rehabilitation.
Boot Camp Incarceration Essay Research Paper With
Boot Camp Incarceration Essay, Research Paper With the ever rising prison population in this country, something has to be done rehabilitate criminals rather than just lock them up. Many feel that the “new” prisons, boot camps are the answer (Champion 1990). I will give a brief overview of boot camp institutions, specifically, about the operation and structure of these, the cost involved with both juvenile and adult facilities, and how effective they really are with regard to recidivism.
Rebellion Essay Research Paper Long before the
Rebellion Essay, Research Paper Long before the actual act of rebellion, the thoughts and the sentiment of rebellion linger in the soul. These thoughts and feelings continue to fester before they reach the fruition of deed. Throughout the course of an extended period of time the uprising stems its roots in the heart; the actual revolt takes place within one s self, long before one mounts a rebellious action.
Electromagnetic Waves Essay Research Paper I went
Electromagnetic Waves Essay, Research Paper I went to Hawaii on vacation to get a tan, but I got something else instead. Ultraviolet rays are stronger, and hotter near the equator. When I got home I got x-rays. I was sent for treatment with gamma rays. Wow! What a vacation.
Darkness At Noon Essay Research Paper In
Darkness At Noon Essay, Research Paper In Darkness at Noon, by Arthur Koestler, the detailed story of Nicolas Salmanovich Rubashov is displayed. Rubashov, now in prison for political divergences , is torn between the evolving policies of the Party and his own ideology. Basically, he must choose between life ( Party policy) and death (his own beliefs).
Me Essay Research Paper My name is
Me Essay, Research Paper My name is Keisha Armstrong. I was born in Jamaica. I am the baby and the only girl of the four children that my parents share. I moved to the United States at the age of thirteen. Throughout my life was very ambitious. All through my life I was motivated in doing good in school.
Reform Treatment In Prison Essay Research Paper
Drug and alcohol treatment in prison will save billions of dollars and significantly reduce crime, according to a 281-page report by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University released on January 8 (The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, Columbia University, “Behind Bars: Substance Abuse and America’s Prison Population,” January 1998; Christopher Wren, “Alcohol or Drug Link Seen in 80% of Jailings,” New York Times, January 9, 1998, p.
Alternatives To Corrections Essay Research Paper Alternatives
Alternatives To Corrections Essay, Research Paper Alternatives to incarceration Ever since the first prison opened in the United States in 1790, incarceration has been the center of the nations criminal justice system. Over this 200 year period many creative alternatives to incarceration have been tried, and many at a much lower cost than imprisonment.
The Death Penalty. Right Or Wrong
Essay, Research Paper The Death Penalty. Right? Or Wrong? Capital punishment, or better known as the death penalty, is a very controversial issue in the United States today. The death penalty has been viewed by many people as wrong, while still other people see the death penalty to be acceptable in today s society.
Jail Based Substance Abuse Program Essay Research
Paper JAIL BASED SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT PROGRAM Substance abuse and addiction have changed the nature of America’s prison population. Alcohol, drug abusers, addicts, and those who sell illegal drugs dominate
What Is The Best Alternative To Prison
? Essay, Research Paper ?The U.S. prison population has tripled since 1980 so that on any given day there are 1.5 million Americans behind bars.? (Alternatives 1). There is a clear overcrowding problem in todays prisons. Why? I believe that the population explosion in the prison system is due to the increasing moral decline of America.
Capital Punishment Essay Research Paper My cousin
Capital Punishment Essay, Research Paper My cousin who has just moved down here from Montgomery, Georgia, was worried sick upon hearing the news that a man was shot down, approximately four blocks away from our house. Later, his reactions to this news became the joke of our house. It was then I realized that every day we are bombarded with such news of crimes and violence which has immuned us from such fearful reactions.
Task Centered Model Essay Research Paper Task
Task Centered Model Essay, Research Paper Task Centered Model Task-Centered model is a time-limited, goal-oriented method designed to help individuals, groups, and families with problems
Spinal Injury Essay Research Paper Discusses a
Spinal Injury Essay, Research Paper Discusses a possibly new treatment for spinal injury. Scientists may have discovered a new treatment for spinal cord injuries by regenerating the cells in the brain and the spinal cord. The key to is to regenerate the damaged nerve fibers. The major problem is that damage to the brain and spinal cord is permanent and does not heal by itself.
Legal Gambling Essay Research Paper Legalized Gambling
Legal Gambling Essay, Research Paper Legalized Gambling Legalized gambling is a low stakes fast action game that produces easy revenue for money hungry states. What I intend to prove to you is that legalized gambling is not all that it is cracked up to be. First, the facts, a survey done by Dr. Henry Lesieur of Gamblers anonymous says that twenty six percent (26%) had a divorce or were separated.
Legalization Of Marijuana Essay Research Paper Legalization
Legalization Of Marijuana Essay, Research Paper Legalization of medical marijuana This act may be cited as the ? legalization of marijuana? Sec. 1 This bill will be for the well being of the pain stricken patients in our nation’s hospitals, a doctor that will decide if a patient is illegible to receive marijuana.