Kansas

Overview Implementing the Strategy Media Coverage Publications & Maps

Step 1: Analyze Step 2: Provide Step 3: Quantify Step 4: Measure

Step 1: Analyze the prison population and spending in the communities to which people in prison often return.

In 2006, state policymakers in Kansas requested intensive technical assistance from the Council of State Governments Justice Center. In response, the Justice Center provided state officials with an analysis of the prison population that identified the factors driving the projected 22 percent increase in the prison population:

In FY 2006, probation and parole revocations accounted for 65 percent of prison admissions, consuming 27 percent of prison capacity at a cost to taxpayers of $53 million annually. ¹
That same year, 90 percent of revocations were for conditions violations, with alcohol or drug use accounting for 32 percent of parole revocations. Additionally, 58 percent of people revoked on probation supervision demonstrated a need for substance abuse or mental health treatment. ²
Most people were released from prison without participating in programs that could reduce their risk of reoffending. Half of people in need of substance abuse treatment and 72 percent of people needing vocational education did not participate in relevant risk reduction programs prior to their release from prison. ³

Step 2: Provide »

Dr.Tony Fabelo, “Tough and Smart: Opportunities for Kansas Policymakers to Reduce Crime and Spending,” Presentation, December 12, 2006.
Dr. Fred Osher, “Kansas’ Opportunity to Improve Public Safety Through Effective Treatment,” Presentation, February 5, 2007.
Ibid; Department of Corrections Analysis, October 2006. Ibid; Department of Corrections Analysis, October 2006.