Economics of Disincarceration

• NCJ Number: 99823
• Author(s): E W Zedlewski
• Date Published: 1984
• Length: 5 pages
• Corporate Author: National Institute of Justice/NCJRS
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Research in Action, NIJ Report, May 1984

Annotation

Using evidence from recent research, this cost-benefit analysis of diverting offenders from prison concludes that recent trends to imprison more offenders is economically sound.

Abstract

'Disincarceration,' as used in this study, refers to the diversion into less restrictive sanctions of offenders would normally be imprisoned under current would normally be imprisoned under current sentencing norms. The cost-benefit of disincarceration can be determined by comparing the cost of imprisoning offenders for 1 year with the cost of their being in the community for that same period. Disincarceration costs include victimization and protection costs as well as the cost of services for offenders. Another possible cost of diversion is the loss of the deterrent effect of imprisonment. Although economic analysis of imprisonment policies is not currently a precise science, the weight of evidence suggests that more prison capacity is required, because many offenders who are currently released into the community because of prison space shortages are inflicting costs on society that exceed what would have been the cost of their incarceration. Suggestions for further research are offered; seven references are listed.