Post by Lux on Nov 12, 2008 21:12:59 GMT 12
Wednesday, 12 November 2008, 4:45 pm
Press Release: Rethinking Crime and Punishment
Three Strikes Proposal Would Cost $3.5 - $5.5 billion
ACT's proposal to sentence offenders to 25 years after a third violent
offence, is unaffordable, said Kim Workman, Director, Rethinking Crime
and Punishment. "It would cost between $3.5 - $4.5 billion"
"During the election campaign, ACT spokesperson David Garrett said they
would spend up to $1 billion to implement the policy. In fact, it
would cost between $3 - $4 billion to implement, and a further ongoing
cost of $56 - 75 million annual operational costs.
The Department of Corrections have 15,000 offenders with three or more
convictions for violence, currently on their books. At least half of
those are not currently in prison. Over a very short space of time, we
would
end up with between 7,000 and 10,000 more offenders serving a prison
sentence.
The National Party has promised to build one more prison for 572
prisoners at a cost of $314m, plus annual operating costs of $43m. On
that basis, the increase in prison beds to accommodate the three
strikes offenders, would cost between $3.8 and $5.5 billion. with
annual operating costs between $52 and $75 million. That would be in
addition to any increases arising from National's own policies. Even
if they housed prisoners in containers, it is still not a viable
proposition.
I have asked the Department of Corrections to check my figures. But if
those figures are correct, it would be fiscally irresponsible to agree
to the three strikes' proposal as part of a coalition deal.
We need to take a lesson from the United States. Eight States are
trying to exit from three strikes legislation, or modify it. Firstly,
they can no longer afford it. Secondly, they can't find people willing
to staff prisons that are inhumane and overcrowded.
Most thinking New Zealanders would prefer to see their dollars
invested in some of National's positive initiatives, - the 'Fresh
Start' programme for young offenders, and community based treatment
for mentally ill and addicted offenders would be a great place to start.
ENDS
~~~~~
Thoughts?
Press Release: Rethinking Crime and Punishment
Three Strikes Proposal Would Cost $3.5 - $5.5 billion
ACT's proposal to sentence offenders to 25 years after a third violent
offence, is unaffordable, said Kim Workman, Director, Rethinking Crime
and Punishment. "It would cost between $3.5 - $4.5 billion"
"During the election campaign, ACT spokesperson David Garrett said they
would spend up to $1 billion to implement the policy. In fact, it
would cost between $3 - $4 billion to implement, and a further ongoing
cost of $56 - 75 million annual operational costs.
The Department of Corrections have 15,000 offenders with three or more
convictions for violence, currently on their books. At least half of
those are not currently in prison. Over a very short space of time, we
would
end up with between 7,000 and 10,000 more offenders serving a prison
sentence.
The National Party has promised to build one more prison for 572
prisoners at a cost of $314m, plus annual operating costs of $43m. On
that basis, the increase in prison beds to accommodate the three
strikes offenders, would cost between $3.8 and $5.5 billion. with
annual operating costs between $52 and $75 million. That would be in
addition to any increases arising from National's own policies. Even
if they housed prisoners in containers, it is still not a viable
proposition.
I have asked the Department of Corrections to check my figures. But if
those figures are correct, it would be fiscally irresponsible to agree
to the three strikes' proposal as part of a coalition deal.
We need to take a lesson from the United States. Eight States are
trying to exit from three strikes legislation, or modify it. Firstly,
they can no longer afford it. Secondly, they can't find people willing
to staff prisons that are inhumane and overcrowded.
Most thinking New Zealanders would prefer to see their dollars
invested in some of National's positive initiatives, - the 'Fresh
Start' programme for young offenders, and community based treatment
for mentally ill and addicted offenders would be a great place to start.
ENDS
~~~~~
Thoughts?
