Texas should curb its prison population

In his book "Texas Tough: The Rise of America's Prison Empire," Robert Perkinson shares an insightful data on the ballooning growth of the Texas Penal System.

·Number of state prisons built in Texas between 1980 and 2004: 94
·Total number of university campuses in Texas: 94
·Percent increase in Texas corrections spending between 1980 and 2004: 1,600
·Ratio of growth in Texas corrections to higher education spending between 1980 and 2000: 7:1

Given population increase and the lack of opportunities for inmates following the completion of their sentences, it is not unusual to estimate an increase of the overall Texas penal system. For example, although the overall prison population declined, it has not been enough to avoid that sad distinction of being the number one state in the nation in prison population, surpassing the state of California. Texas had 156,000 inmates in 111 prisons alone (this figure does not include those on parole or probation). What our great state should adopt is a comprehensive rehabilitation and reform system that reintroduces former inmates to communities and nurture a productive citizen out of them. A recent bill introduced by Rep. Senfronia Thompson (D-Houston) is a promising one among other state officials that have done the same in the past. Rep. Thompson's HB 1188 will challenge the possibilities of lawsuits to businesses who hire former inmates who have reentered society. Although many companies in Texas are very reluctant to hire former criminals, it makes this particular house bill very unique due to the support it has garnered from Texas Trial Lawyers Association as well as the first time involvement of the Texas Association of Business, the biggest business group, Texas Tribune reports. At this stage the bill excludes sex offenders who have been released from prison and registered. However, given the fact that only less than 20% of sex offenders are convicted again while 90% of sexual predators are first time offenders, registered sex offenders and recently released ones should not be marginalized and subjected to the ever-rising recidivism pool that breeds more of the same, on steroid.

Speaking of recidivism, our reaction and treatment of released inmates or citizens with criminal records impact our society in the long run. Long gone are the days when law enforcement officials were looked upon with respect and gratitude, a good example of society. The more we focus on banishing former criminals with too little rehabilitation (and too much punishment), the larger the sphere of resentment. No longer is one individual that will feel the brunt, it will be an entire family, friends, and a community. And we just spent an average of $50.79 of our dues, per inmate, per day. Rep. Thompson's initial but important step is a great lead for others to follow.

There are brilliant ideas that other states have done to curb their prison population. For example, Bobby Jindal of Louisiana presented proposals to lawmakers that would encourage rehabilitation of drug offenders instead of incarcerating (Louisiana holds the trophy for the highest number of inmates). Other states: Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and South Dakota are implementing measures that would reduce inmate population and increasing rehabilitation. Menial jobs and positive behavior inspired activities aside, penal systems in Texas should take an example of a certain Cleveland unit in East Texas. By partnering with Baylor University, it is training inmates business entrepreneurship. Volunteering communities and investing on inmates while incarcerated is a sure way to sustain a future that is a citizen less resentful, less criminal and a productive member of society that bears the ideal social and political schemes. With over 700 per 100,000 Americans behind bars, this may seem overly ambitious and utopian, but it is very possible.

Even Australians have fewer prisoners than our great nation. And Australia was founded as a prison colony!