The Vera Institute of Justice recently released a study titled, “Incarceration’s Front Door: The Misuse of Jails in America.” Among its findings: the majority of people incarcerated are too poor to post bail or too mentally ill or addicted to drugs to adequately care for themselves.
In the past, a judge was more likely to free a suspect on their own recognizance pending trial dates for minor offenses, but now many of those incarcerated find themselves waiting for their trial date behind bars. The report found that most of the inmates in jail are there for minor violations such as driving with a suspended license, shoplifting, or evading subway fares. Many of these people are poor, and unable to pay bail.
Since 1983, violent crime has dropped nationwide by 50 percent and property crime by over 40%, yet the number of people in jail on any given day has increased by over 300%. These statistics raise concern over the use of our jails. Also concerning is the lack of mental health care available to inmates. The Vera Institute report found that 80% of inmates with mental illness did not receive treatment in jail. Drug treatment programs are underfunded as well.
In response to the report, the MacArthur Foundation announced that it would put $75 million toward alternatives to incarcerating large numbers of people. The foundation will work with 20 jurisdictions over the next 5 years.
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