NCJ Number
248611
Date Published
January 2015
Length
30 pages
Annotation
The Council of State Governments Justice Center presents this report on its analysis and policy framework for "justice reinvestment" in Nebraska, which aims to slow prison population growth, reduce corrections spending, and reinvest a portion of the savings in strategies that can reduce recidivism and increase public safety.
Abstract
Following a data-driven analysis of the cost-effectiveness of Nebraska's corrections system, a 5-year Justice Reinvestment policy framework was developed. One of the plan's goals is to reduce prison overcrowding by achieving a 10-percent decrease in the State's prison population. The plan's second goal is to avert prison construction and operations costs, saving $306.4 million. A third goal is to invest $32.8 million in recidivism-reduction strategies. A fourth goal is to support victims of crime by appropriating $2.8 million in restitution for crime victims; and the fifth goal is to achieve a 70-percent reduction in the number of people released from prison without supervision. Three challenges were identified after a cost-effectiveness analysis of Nebraska's corrections system. The challenges to be addressed are overcrowded prisons, limited post-release supervision, and insufficient supervision. Proposed strategies for addressing these challenges are to use probation for people convicted of low-level offenses; ensure post-release supervision and address victims' needs; and improve parole supervision to reduce recidivism among individuals released from prison. Findings and policy options are discussed in detail. 12 figures and 93 endnotes