Imprisonment’s high price

Re “Do the time, lower the crime,” Opinion, March 30

There is no doubt that putting more people in prison over the last 25 years has helped cut the crime rate, as James Q. Wilson contends. But with one in 100 adults now behind bars and states facing billion-dollar deficits, the more relevant question is: Are there more cost-effective ways to enhance public safety?

Several states are finding there are. Texas has residential treatment facilities for low-level, nonviolent offenders with drug problems. Kansas gives grants to jurisdictions that hold probation violators accountable without taking up state prison cells. Wilson cites the Hawaii HOPE program as an effective approach -- swift and certain but short jail terms for probationers who fail drug tests. This is precisely the point of our report: ensure enough prison beds for violent and career criminals in part by using more cost-effective strategies to successfully manage offenders who pose less risk.

Prisons can reduce crime, but as Wilson notes, three-quarters of the nation’s recent crime drop was because of other factors. Policymakers must explore all options for increasing public safety and deliver the highest possible return for taxpayer dollars.

Adam Gelb

Washington

The writer directs the Public Safety Performance Project at the Pew Charitable Trusts.