New Jersey Leads the Nation in Prison Population Decrease per the Sentencing Project

West Caldwell, NJ June 17 -

New Jersey currently leads the nation in prison population decline according to a study done by The Sentencing Project, “U.S. Prison Population Trends: Broad Variation Among States in Recent Years,” published in April 2015, using data collected by the Bureau of Justice Statistics’ Prisoners Series. The study analyzed prison populations during 1999 to 2013, with New Jersey being the leader with a 29% decline since 1999. The state joins nine other states to claim a double-digit decline in prison population, with New York at 27% and California at 22%, (since 2006, offset by increasing jail use). Rhode Island, Hawaii, Connecticut, Michigan, Alaska and Colorado follow with double-digit reductions.

The report indicated that the decline in prison population is due to changes in both policy and practice, and cites drug policy sentencing reforms, reduced admissions of technical parole violators to prison, and diversion options for persons convicted of lower-level property and drug crimes as the major components contributing to reduced prison populations and lengths of stay. The report found that the reduction in prison populations had no adverse effect on public safety.

“We are very gratified to see New Jersey is leading the way in reducing prisoner populations,” said Steve Tomlin, Senior Vice President of Reentry Operations. “As the leading reentry treatment provider in New Jersey we are proud to be a partner in offering alternative solutions for drug policy sentencing and diversion programming.”

The report focuses on the divergence of prison populations across the U.S. Although New Jersey leads the way with declining numbers, other states are experiencing increased numbers. Arkansas has experienced the highest rise (17%) - in their prison population, which is attributed to a resistance to trends in decarceration.

Correctional departments from many states are examining alternative sentencing options, which include drug court programs and reentry programs to address offender needs. Recent research indicates that the provision of these methods supports reducing prison populations. Results from an evaluation done at CEC’s Hoffman Hall in Philadelphia conducted as a joint project with the Philadelphia Prison System (PPS), CEC and Drexel University researchers found a 24% drop in recidivism with PPS inmates that completed reentry treatment programming as compared to a similar group with no programming, during the period between 2010 and October 2013. The evaluation determined that Hoffman Hall’s samples return to jail percentages were lower than that of the PPS group (38.7% versus 50.8%, respectively).

“The CEC treatment model has a proven track record of reducing recidivism,” said Dr. Ralph Fretz, Director of Reentry at CEC. “We are finding that reentry treatment and drug court programs are a successful alternative to incarceration.”

CEC has recognized the value of offender treatment as a factor in recidivism reduction. In addition, CEC uses outcome-based research studies as a means to evaluate their programming and stay current with trends in prisoner treatment. The company offers a complete continuum of care treatment model, beginning with comprehensive assessments, substance abuse treatment, educational and vocational training, counseling, life skills and aftercare/alumni services.

The Sentencing Project, founded in 1986, reports that its mission is to promote reforms in sentencing policy, address unjust racial disparities and practices, and advocate for alternatives to incarceration.

The report can be viewed at:
http://www.sentencingproject.org/detail/publication.cfm?publication_id=590&id=106

Community Education Centers, Inc. (CEC) is the leading provider of offender reentry, in-prison treatment and jail management services in America, operating in 16 states and the Commonwealth of Bermuda. CEC provides a full range of therapeutic residential and non-residential reentry services with a documented record of reducing recidivism.