Justice Alternatives for Wisconsin: Reducing the Costs of the Criminal Justice System

Abstract

Wisconsin's incarcerated population has grown quickly in recent years, along with the attendant costs. Many people charged or convicted of crimes have drug or alcohol abuse problems which may drive their illegal behavior. The authors examine policy alternatives for reducing the costs of incarceration for some members of this population ? typically first-time offenders accused or convicted of non-violent crimes. Their report recommends that the Council study further these policy alternatives as well as the specific implementation options they offer in order to reduce the costs of incarceration in Wisconsin.