Corrections reform bill must be enacted wisely

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When should economics influence the criminal justice system? It’s a question that Michigan finds itself tackling after the state House passed a bill to revise the state’s current policy regarding criminal eligibility for community corrections programs.

Under the new bill, certain criminals might find themselves facing shorter prison stays and more alternative sentences, such as community service — all in an effort to help ease the state’s financial issues.

The state might save more than $20,000 per prisoner by keeping him or her out of jail. It’s money that the state could certainly use. The real question is whether it’s worth the trouble that could come from not locking up certain criminals.

While the bill mandates strict evaluations for criminals to determine whether they should qualify for the alternative sentences, we hope the state isn’t sacrificing public safety in an effort to save a buck.

There are plenty of criminals currently in jail or prison who have committed minor or nonviolent crimes who probably don’t pose a danger to society and could possibly benefit from the more lenient punishments this program might mete out.

For these criminals, the new policy will be extremely helpful. Given the ways in which many criminals simply pick up new tricks in prison, it’s probably good to keep them away from truly dangerous individuals and instead focus on their rehabilitation and restitution to the community. It’s likely such measures will help speed up their eventual reintegration into normal society.

Opponents of the program should also remember just because the offenders are not locked up does not mean the system has totally forgotten them. Many will still face monitoring and probation, along with everything that comes with those conditions. The state should still be able to keep more than an eye on these individuals and take corrective measures the instant one of them steps out of line.

However, the state has to remember to be very careful. It should never be forgotten that one of the central reasons for the existence of any society is the protection of its citizens. If this program is used to allow violent and dangerous individuals out, then it’s not worth it no matter how many people are helped by the more relaxed measures.

The state has to have a clear set of guidelines to explain who does and doesn’t qualify — and possibly err on the side of caution on questionable cases.

After all, does it really do much good saving money by not locking individuals up if we end up spending that money just catching them all over again? A revolving door for the justice system helps no one — not the state, not society and not the criminal who doesn’t get the help he or she needs.

As long as this new policy is used judiciously, it could be a great benefit to Michigan. But if it’s not, it won’t matter how much money is saved.

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