The League of Iowa Human & Civil Rights Agencies

WASHINGTON--States could improve public safety and save millions of dollars by investing in community-based alternatives, according to two new research briefs released today by the Justice Policy Institute (JPI). With states facing serious budgetary constraints, these reports offer policymakers more effective juvenile and criminal justice frameworks to guide them in making difficult budget decisions. "There's no magic formula for saving money and protecting public safety," said Tracy Velázquez, executive director of JPI. "Rather, policymakers can use the tools we already have and reduce correctional populations through incremental changes based on existing, evidence-based strategies. Expanding access to treatment, improving parole policies and practices, and reducing the number of nonviolent youth and adults that are incarcerated can help states cut costs in the short-term, and also increase the long-term economic productivity and health of communities."

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