Necessity is the mother of invention, as the saying goes. But in the case of our criminal justice system, it may also be the mother of compassion.
Until recent years, the “tough on crime” policies throughout the nation resulted in America having the highest incarceration rate in the developed world.
Embarrassing as that might be, the real motivator in reducing the number of Americans in our jails and prisons has far more to do with cash than conscience. It costs a lot to keep someone in jail, and once that person is released he is likely to be a continuing drag on the taxpayer. It’s hard to get a job with a felony on your record, no matter how determined you are to make amends.
Efforts to reduce the jail/prison population through programs like drug courts or diversion programs are being pursued throughout the country.
As recently as two years ago, Mississippi cut funding for the state’s drug court program, which allows participants to avoid jail by successfully completing a program that includes drug testing, fine and counseling.
That program is back again in good graces, now, primarily because the state’s current budget crisis has required deep cuts in all state agencies, including the Department of Corrections.
Not all such programs are motivated by finances, however.
Since January, District Attorney Scott Colom has been implementing a diversion program which allows first-time, non-violent offenders to avoid jail time (and the costs that go with it) by participating in counseling, education, job training and other requirements.
We applaud this approach.
As Colom noted, today’s violent offender is often yesterday’s non-violent criminal. The theory goes that if an offender is offered a chance to mend his ways after that first non-violent offense, it may profoundly alter the track of his life.
Allowing someone a second chance saves him from a felony record and keeps open the prospects for a productive life.
Colom’s program is different from some other programs around the state in that it is tailored to the individual’s circumstance. For example, someone facing a drug charge will go through drug counseling/treatment while someone accused of a different sort of crime will have counseling specific to that offense.
There is no cost to the taxpayer for the program; offenders are required to foot that bill – $200 up front, then $100 per month for the 12 months of the program. Since the program requires participants to get a job, pursue a job and enroll in school, the cost of the program may be prohibitive for some. Colom says he wants to find a way to address that problem so that the program is available to all, regardless of their economic state. Those who cannot make the payment could work off their fees, perhaps, through public service.
So far, 230 people are participating in the program, which means if they are successful, we won’t have to find spot in our jails/prisons for 230 non-violent offenders or come up with the money to keep them there.
It makes sense, financially. But the greater benefit is that It offers the promise of breaking the cycle of crime at the earliest stage. The benefits of those changed lives cannot be measured in dollars.
We applaud this program and encourage our courts to pursue every means for a smarter, more humane approach to crime and punishment.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 41 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.