Prison Costs: Understanding the Economic Impact of Building New Prisons
What are the key factors contributing to the cost of building a new prison according to Henrichson and Delaney?
(1) Providing healthcare for aging inmates
(2) Impact of high incarceration rates
How much can healthcare for aging inmates increase the cost of keeping a person in prison?
(1) Double the cost
(2) Triple the cost
(3) Quadruple the cost
Key Factors Contributing to Prison Costs:
The essential factors that contribute to the cost of building a new prison, according to Henrichson and Delaney, are providing healthcare for aging inmates and the impact of high incarceration rates.
Impact of Healthcare for Aging Inmates:
Healthcare for aging inmates can triple the cost of keeping a person in prison compared to a younger prisoner.
When examining the cost of building a new prison, it's crucial to consider the significant expenses associated with maintaining a correctional system. Healthcare for aging inmates is a key contributor to the rising costs, as it can triple the expenditure required to care for an individual in prison compared to a younger inmate.
In addition to healthcare expenses, high incarceration rates also play a vital role in escalating prison costs. The U.S. has experienced a surge in incarceration rates over the years, leading to a larger number of individuals under correctional supervision. This increase in the prison population further strains prison budgets and adds to the financial burden of the correctional system.
It's evident that factors such as healthcare for aging inmates and the impact of high incarceration rates significantly influence the cost of building and maintaining prisons. Understanding these key contributors can help policymakers and stakeholders make informed decisions regarding corrections budgets and policies.