Probation and Treatment Saves California $800 Million

From the NYTimes:

California took a leap of faith six years ago when it decided to offer nonviolent drug offenders the choice of going to jail or accepting probation and community-based drug treatment. Critics of the initiative predicted dire consequences if petty drug criminals were allowed to escape incarceration. But the data collected in California is beginning to show that nonviolent drug offenders are more effectively — and less expensively — dealt with when they are diverted into treatment.

A new study by researchers at the Integrated Substance Abuse Programs at the University of California, Los Angeles, shows that nonviolent offenders who complete drug treatment actually save the state money, even though the programs are costly. According to the study, Californians save $4 for every $1 they invest in drug treatment for people who actually complete the treatment regimen. The researchers estimate that the treatment option has saved California a huge sum — about $800 million — over the last five years.

The program is clearly worthy of emulation and worthy of greater support from the State Legislature and the localities. At the same time, however, the report makes clear that the program would benefit from more effective coordination among governmental departments and localities, as well as improved and expanded treatment regimens. Given the impressive findings so far, Californians would be wise to help the program reach its full potential.