|
|
| Northampton County Recidivism Rate Dropped From 69% to 36.5% |
| By keystonepolitics.com |
| Published: 06/21/2013 |
|
PENNSYLVANIA - Huge news, although it is just re-offenses within Northampton County: Director of Corrections Arnie Matos did not exactly say that Northampton County needs no jail. But he did point out that, contrary to the trend elsewhere in Pa., the County’s jail population is decreasing. It’s dropped from 920 to 736, despite all the predictions from experts in three-piece suits. Matos also pointed out that recidivism (criminal behavior by an offender who has already been jailed once) has dropped from 69% to 36.5%. Since 66 cents of every County tax dollar pays for the back end of crime, this has a dramatic impact on your tax bill. Bernie O’Hare says Matos credits the Community Education Centers for the big drop. Read More. |
Comments:
Login to let us know what you think
MARKETPLACE search vendors | advanced search
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
|
I commend the correctional leadership in Northampton County, Pennsylvania. The fact that they are seeking to measure outcomes is a positive step and speaks to direction for the future. Crime is down nationally and that may also be an assist but whatever is happening is having a positive impact. The role of corrections at the local level is finally being discovered and it is enormous. County Corrections is local, immediate, close at hand, linked immediately to scores of services and easy to engage for anyone seeking admission or involvement. I would like to see states send prisoners back to the county of their conviction for release through Justice Reinvestment. The county would maintain a veto and the funds would flow to the county. It is not a complete redirection but it does speak to engaging the power and value of the county as a reentry tool. County Corrections is far more capable of producing offender reentry and should benefit from the funds that are now allocated to state prisons.