NCJ Number
244197
Date Published
2013
Length
72 pages
Annotation
This research examines a new approach for funding corrections strategies aimed at reducing mass incarceration.
Abstract
This research, conducted by the Brennan Center for Justice, examines a new approach for funding corrections strategies aimed at reducing mass incarceration. Current research indicates that in recent years while crime and violence rates have fallen, often to historically low levels, the rate of mass incarceration has increased, with almost $80 billion spent annually to house the Nation's inmates. One program offered by the Department of Justice (DOJ) is the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program (JAG). JAG provides funding to State and local governments to help them deal with rising criminal justice costs. The criteria for receiving JAG funding however, has not changed. This report proposes changing JAG criteria to more closely align with today's criminal justice goals and policies. This report presents a conceptual framework that looks at criminal justice funding more broadly, drawing on experimental models and investigating how stakeholders make decisions and respond to incentives. This broad framework is then applied to JAG funding through a concrete policy proposal. The proposal calls for DOJ to reorient JAG's performance measures so as to encourage States to modernize their criminal justice policies and practices with more effective and successful ways that have proven to reduce crime while at the same time also reducing mass incarceration rates. Figures, appendix, and endnotes