Alternative sentencing beneficial for inmates, beneficial for Hoosiers
For immediate release:
Feb. 23, 2015
INDIANAPOLIS – State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) applauded legislation passed today by the Indiana House of Representatives developing alternatives to incarceration designed to reduce recidivism.
The Justice Reinvestment Community Grants Program is established by House Bill 1006, which appropriates $50 million to the program beginning in 2016. At least 75 percent of the funding must be used to provide mental health and substance abuse treatment. HB 1006 prohibits using program funds to build new prison facilities.
“We are experiencing a paradigm shift in how we handle substance abuse and mental health issues within the penal system,” said Smith. “By refocusing on the underlying causes of crime, we can effectively reduce recidivism. The root of the incarceration issue is that numerous confined individuals are addicted to drugs and alcohol, and many have untreated mental conditions. In fact, about 70 percent of criminal cases in Indiana can be traced to substance abuse.
“‘Successful incarceration’ may seem like an oxymoron, but addressing problems early on will get us as close as possible to that definition. Right now, Indiana jails are operating at maximum capacity, some even beyond that. I strongly support this legislation because alternative sentencing is mutually beneficial for inmates and the state of Indiana,” he added.
Costing roughly $40 per day per inmate, overcrowded jails are financially burdensome to taxpayers. Inmates suffer from the overpopulation as well. Research shows that when jails reach 80 percent capacity, correctional facilities lose their effectiveness in placing inmates in proper housing.
Advanced ankle bracelet technology is available for $18 per day. The technology allows parolees to be electronically monitored while serving their sentences on house arrest. Two daily drug tests are also included in the service charge which is paid for by the parolee.
Under HB 1006, persons charged with Level 6 felonies cannot be sent to DOC. Approximately 5,000 individuals will no longer be confined in Indiana’s jam-packed jails. If an offender violates their probationary terms, they will then be required to go to DOC.
“It’s pretty remarkable what can be done with certain nonviolent offenders and how we can supervise them in ways that were never possible before,” noted Smith. “As a Legislature, let’s take a look at what is working and what isn’t within our penal system. For successful rehabilitation, we must delve into the minds and spirits of inmates to change them for the better. The time has come to utilize the DOC for corrections, not punishment.”
The legislation is authored by State Rep. Gregory Steuerwald (R-Danville). State Reps. Linda Lawson (D-Hammond), Matt Pierce (D-Bloomington), and Jud McMillin (R-Brookville) co-authored the bill.
HB 1006 was unanimously passed 97-0 and now advances to the Indiana Senate for consideration.