“Treatment Instead of Prison”

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Good Shepherd Voices for Justice Ministry presents justice issues every month and invites your response. In the process of learning about and responding to these issues we believe we can grow in our awareness and deeper understanding of local, national and international needs in light of the values of the Gospels and the principles of Catholic social teaching and then act accordingly. This communal effort offers opportunities for transformation and for furthering the reign of God on earth.

With this in mind, please review this month’s issue and consider taking the recommended action. We estimate it will take you only a few minutes to complete this action. We encourage you also to take time to pray and reflect on the presence of God in the process.

We welcome everyone who is interested in letting their voice be heard for God’s justice – both those in the community of Good Shepherd and beyond.

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BACKGROUND

National surveys show that at least two of every five criminal offenders were under the influence of drugs or alcohol when they committed their crime. In Wisconsin, at least 70% if the men and women who enter our prison system have a drug or alcohol problem. By providing treatment to those non-violent offenders instead of prison, Wisconsin can offer meaningful and truly rehabilitating assistance to offenders which would greatly decrease repeat offenses, as previously addicted offenders will no longer commit crimes to support drug and alcohol habits.

Treatment Instead of Prison (TIP) supports a tough-on-crime approach. TIP would be offered only to non-violent offenders with drug and alcohol addictions. TIP proponents believe that violent criminals should remain in prison to maintain safe communities.

TIP requires accountability and imposes serious sanctions including expulsion from the program and imprisonment for those who do no comply with the requirements of the program.

In 2004-05, Wisconsin budgeted almost $1 billion for its Dept. of Corrections or 7% of the entire annual budget. This Dept. of Corrections budget is nearly as large as the amount the state spends on the entire 26-campus University of Wisconsin System. We spend more than $28,000 per inmate. By implementing Treatment Instead of Prison (TIP), Wisconsin could greatly reduce the number of prisoners, save the state significant revenue, and truly and permanently impact these potential inmates’ lives.

ACTION

To show your Assembly Representative of Senators how important you believe it is to consider treatment alternatives for non-violent, drug and alcohol addicted offenders, call the legislative hotline:

1-800-362-9472

When you call, reference:

Senate Bill# 142

Assembly Bill # 275

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For source material and additional information, visit:

http://www.tipwis.org/