Anyone who has previously committed a drug crime is released from prison
Cons
Lack of rehabilitation
services for offenders
Issues reintegrating
into society
increase in homelessness
potential for reoffence
68% of drug offenders are rearrested within 3 years of release from prison (Belenko Et Al. 2013)
Negative public perception
General public may
fear the outcome of
so many inmates
being released
public disapproval/
distrust of
governments
Low public moral
Pros
freeing of law enforcements
time and resources
Heavier focus on more serious/
violent crimes
Reduces prison overcrowding
More prison space for
violent/more
serious offenders.
increased general
public safety
government and state
spending decrease
More money to invest
in other federally/state funded
expenditures.
potential for funding of
abuse treatment programs
Taxpayers save money
Increase in public moral
"The cost of incarcerating over 485,000 prisoners for drug offenses exceeds $9 billion annually." (Schiraldi Et Al. 2000)
