By diverting a share of the resources used to imprison non-violent probationers who may be reformed with better supervision and drug treatment, the state can save taxpayers’ money and produce more effective outcomes for offenders, victims, and communities.
Criminal Justice
West Virginia can reduce recidivism — Virginia shows how
For decades, America’s response to crime has largely been measured by the number of prison beds it could fill. Politicians competed to be “tough on crime,” while correctional systems focused on punishment rather than rehabilitation. Yet, despite spending billions of taxpayer dollars on incarceration, many states continue to struggle with high recidivism rates and revolving...
July 16, 2026