There are fewer people behind bars in Michigan now than there have been in the last 20 years!
It’s a widely known fact that the US puts more people behind bars, per capita, than any other nation on earth. As if that isn’t scary enough, Michigan has one of the highest incarceration rates in the country. In fact, according to a report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Michigan is tied with six other states for the third highest parent incarceration rate. Only Kentucky and Indiana have higher rates. But it seems our new “smart justice” approach may just be paying off…
Senator John Proos recently shared some amazing news. A recent report apparently shows that Michigan’s prison population has actually dropped below 40,000 for the first time in over 20 years! Incredible, isn’t it? As a state we’re known for our tough-on-crime stance when it comes to sentencing, and if there’s one thing we aren’t known for it’s the merciful side of our justice system. Though this recent good news is a sign that things are changing.
“This is fantastic news for our entire state and is an illustration that our efforts to focus our criminal justice system on lowering recidivism and keeping Michigan safe are yielding positive results,” said Senator Proos in a statement on his website. He went on to say that he congratulates Director Washington and the Michigan Department of Corrections for “doing a great job in preparing prisoners for life outside of prison, and my legislative colleagues for enacting smart reforms to help break the cycle of crime.”
Michigan’s ‘smart justice’ reforms may be finally paying off!
The smart reforms that Senator Proos was referring in his statement were a series of changes made to Michigan law in the last few years. They covered everything from shortening probation terms for prisoners with good behavior, to the Recidivism Reduction Act. By taking what Governor Snyder referred to as a “smart justice” approach, the state of Michigan hopes to save money, boost the economy and help the Michigan population by taking a new approach to sentencing and incarceration here in the Great Lakes State.
If the numbers are an accurate reflection, then it’s an approach that seems to be working. According to the most recent prison census for Michigan, the total prison population is now 39,991, which is monumental. This is the first time in over 20 years that our prison population has dropped below 40,000 since 1994, when we reached that count and kept climbing.
“The overwhelming majority of our prisoners will eventually return to their communities. Efficiently and effectively rehabilitating prisoners gives them a better chance at normal and productive lives, and it reduces crime, recidivism and costs.” Proos says. He also points out that “Each time a parolee successfully re-enters society is one less crime being committed, one less victim and one less person costing taxpayers thousands of dollars to keep behind bars.”
Encouraging as this is, however, Michigan still has a long way to go in addressing it’s attitude to prisoners, and overall prisoner treatment. So if you or a loved one have been accused of a crime, or believe that you’re going to be arrested by the police, call The Kronzek Firm immediately at 866 766 5245. Our highly skilled and aggressive defense attorneys can help you achieve the best possible outcome in your case. Which for many people, means avoiding prison altogether!