The U.S. has become the world�s leading jailer, housing 22.4% of the world�s inmates, but has only 4.6% of its population.
Myth: The staggering, budget-breaking price tag of this hyper-incarceration is justified by our low crime rates.
Reality: Connecticut�s prison population has soared from 3,800 to 17,000 since 1980, mostly with non-violent drug users. Annual spending on prisons now exceeds $1 billion at $51,000/year to house each inmate. Yet, hyper- incarceration has a negligible impact on public safety.
Over 95% of Connecticut�s prisoners are eventually released, most without adequate supervision, and ill-equipped to succeed on the outside. Well over half end up back in prison. We need to stop this revolving door.
The state�s failure to rehabilitate its offenders exacts an enormous cost on our state budget and a devastating human toll that is crippling our cities. The current system is not sustainable.
The Justice Imperative: Reforms in states like Texas and Oregon demonstrate that Connecticut can slash costs, lower recidivism, increase public safety and create better and more productive lives for ex-offenders and their families.
