A sizeable chunk of the state's budget surplus is expected to go to The Department of Corrections. But some think the money could be spent in another way.
BILLINGS - A sizeable chunk of the state's budget surplus is expected to go to The Department of Corrections. But some think the money could be spent in another way: treating the behavior of non-violent, low-level offenders through diversion programs rather than incarceration.
The Rimrock Foundation says the solution is taking the Public Health approach and putting these non-violent and low-level drug offenders into treatment programs. They argue the treatment given in correctional facilities is not effective and offenders are more likely to become repeat offenders.
The Department of Corrections says programs need to treat criminals, but also hold them accountable for breaking the law. "We can't just forget or negate what the court has ordered, we need to use it in conjunction with treatment and that's how we hold offenders accountable, by addressing both those needs" said Pam Bunke, Divisional Administrator for the Department of Corrections.
"If we treat people outside of a prison or a jail system, their chances of them getting well is some where between 70%-80%. We know right now if we leave people in jail and in prison, 72% of these people re-offend, so they stay in the prison system" said David Cunningham, CEO of The Rimrock Foundation.
The Department of Corrections says it does provide private and community based treatment centers for offenders.