American prisons on the rise

Commentary on American prisons on the rise
I also completely agree with you. We need to look at alternative methods as a form of punishment or rehabilitation. Prison is not for rehabilitation, no matter what anyone tells you. I think non-violent offenders should be rehabilitated and given the opportunity to live a productive life instead of thrown in prison. About half of all incarcerated prisoners are nonviolent offenders.

Not only is it very expensive (nearly 50 billion a year at the state level) to house inmates, once they get out of prison it is very difficult to lead a productive life. They have a criminal history now so how will they get a job? If they do get a job will it be a good job they can support a family on?

People make mistakes, they are young and dumb. Some people experiment with drugs and alcohol. Does that mean they go out and murder people? No, and I don't think they should be treated the same way and be given virtually the same punishments. Whether you serve 2 years or 20 you have a criminal record now and for the rest of your life. We leave them with nothing and expect them to make it when they are released.

A 2005 California study found that more than two-thirds of parolees were back in prison within 3 years of release, 40 percent for technical infractions. We need to help these people stay out of prison and break the vicious cycle.