In the news: June 2006
The survey says: More prison programs needed; 6/21/2006
AUSTIN AMERICAN STATESMAN: At a time when state prisons are nearly full and legislative leaders are scratching their heads for a solution to a fast-approaching crowding crisis, a survey by a justice reform group suggests that Texans favor more rehabilitation and treatment programs. The study by the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition shows that 96 percent of those surveyed view rehabilitation, not incarceration, as the primary purpose of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, and the same percentage want more treatment programs funded for nonviolent drug offenders as a way to reduce recidivism.
Texans may want alternatives for non-violent offenders; 6/21/2006
THE DAILY TEXAN: A majority of Texans want alternatives for non-violent drug users, according to a report released Tuesday by the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition. The report was issued for the Sunset Advisory Commission, which is scheduled to make policy recommendations for the state Department of Criminal Justice in 2007. The coalition conducted an online survey that asked more than 4,000 participants about several issues facing the Texas criminal justice system. Of those surveyed, 96 percent said non-violent drug offenders should be treated outside prison walls, said Ana Yanez-Correa, executive director of the coalition.