U.S. Prison Overcrowding: Problem Solved.

I was shocked to learn that the United States houses 25% of the world’s prisoners.  Many of the prisons operating at 200% capacity.  This is a serious problem. However, decriminalization of particular drugs, sentencing/parole reform, plus swift and certain punishment would turn that all around. 

   Too much time, money and resources are being spent on enforcement, adjudication and incarceration. I am appalled that we spend an average of $32,000 a year on housing just one inmate. Couldn’t this money be better spent? Perhaps on education, and other beneficial/preventative programs.
     Not only is there a socio-economic disparity in sentencing for drug crimes-for example, in California 5g crack = 500g of cocaine for sentencing purposes- but I am a true believe
 r that activities which only affect the individual should be de-criminalized. If due to the substance abuse, they commit a separate crime, THAT is the crime that should be punished. As a tax paying citizen, I shudder to accept that I give my hard earned money to the gov’t which then goes and throws $32k of it a year on individuals who a) don’t need to be in jail, b) are likely not to be deterred nor rehabilitated, and c) wind up back in the system shortly after release. Having a system that criminalized and incarcerates for drug offenses is noble, moral, and rehabilitating in theory, but in practice, seems to be a superfluously expensive, tiny band-aid attempting to re-attach a limb.
     As for parole, releasing low-risk offenders could easily decrease the prison population. Here is the catch though: harsh, swift punishment for parole violations. If you are fortunate enough to get a second chance, respect the system and don’t blow it. Along those lines however, prisons need to take a more active role to prevent recidivism by focusing on rehabilitation.  Thus when released, parolees have some means by which to support themselves and a new outlook.  Otherwise we are simply releasing that same person back into society, into the same circumstances, and foolishly expecting a different result.