Getting in Sync: State-Local Fiscal Partnerships for Public Safety
Some offenders need to be put in prison. Others can be managed safely on probation in the community. But judges and prosecutors often face the difficult task of figuring out what to do with defendants who don't fit cleanly into either group.
When the right choice isn't clear, many court officers say they feel compelled to send offenders to prison because of a lack of confidence or capacity in their community corrections programs. If these programs had sufficient resources, and were better designed and managed, the courts would use them more. Since strong community corrections programs have been shown to cut recidivism, this would create safer communities while saving states millions of dollars in unnecessary prison expenses.
Spotlight on Mental Health
MORE FROM PEW
Explore Pew’s new and improved
Fiscal 50 interactive
Your state's stats are more accessible than ever with our new and improved Fiscal 50 interactive:
- Maps, trends, and customizable charts
- 50-state rankings
- Analysis of what it all means
- Shareable graphics and downloadable data
- Proven fiscal policy strategies
Welcome to the new Fiscal 50
Key changes include:
- State pages that help you keep track of trends in your home state and provide national and regional context.
- Interactive indicator pages with highly customizable and shareable data visualizations.
- A Budget Threads feature that offers Pew’s read on the latest state fiscal news.