Downsizing Prisons How to Reduce Crime and End Mass Incarceration

Should be read by the public and used by policy makers. Essential. (Choice) There is a better path, and this book shows us how to find that new direction. (Los Angeles Times) Downsizing Prisons offers an innovative approach to reducing the strain on Americas overcrowded prisons: namely, by fixing the dysfunctional parole systems in states around the country. . . . Jacobsons book comes at exactly the right time. (Mother Jones) Policy wonks, journalists, elected officials and students of criminal justice will find the arguments and data in this book worth grappling with (New York Newsday) Downsizing Prisons is an excellent, well-documented, and well-referenced case study. Jacobson is a seasoned policy practitioner who understands the fit of partisan, policy, and system politics. He has hands-on experience, understands what works, and knows first-hand the dysfunctional impacts of higher incarceration rates. He argues for more rational and effective cost-control approaches to crime control (Public Administration Review) Downsizing Prisons explains not only why current incarceration policy is not working, but what we can do about it. Jacobsons blueprint provides an overview of a pragmatic strategy that can reduce the size of our bloated prison system while improving prospects for public safety.- - Marc Mauer, author of Race to Incarcerate