On February 18th of this year, I submitted testimony about the Division of Correction's budget. I made eight recommendations to reduce inmate population and, among other things, urged the development of aftercare.
Now I come before you with regard to the proposed prison in Western Maryland, slated to cost $225 million to build and $50-60 million annually to operate. The project will determine the course of corrections in Maryland - as well as the lives of the thousands who will serve their sentences there - for generations. The project will also create a continuing economic system, fueled by the influx of prisoners largely from urban areas, in the rural region.
Since the Division's recidivism rate is currently 60%, and the rate of growth of the Division is about 100 individuals per month, it can be fairly said that, to a large degree, the inmates who will populate Western Maryland are housed in the Division now. It is also fair to say that even as the Western Maryland prison is completed, another one will be needed. It therefore makes sense that it would be cheaper to cut down on recidivism than to keep on building $225 million prisons.
I acknowledge that there is a dire need to build now. All four of the other regions (Baltimore, Jessup, Hagerstown, Eastern) are filled to capacity and growing every day. What I am proposing is: For every dollar devoted to capital improvements by way of medium and maximum security beds, a certain percentage should be committed to pre-release and aftercare.
Before building in Western Maryland, and before spending one dollar in construction costs, the DOC should guarantee to all its residents at least the following minimal "aftercare" (none of which is provided at the present time): 1) Outerwear (a coat or jacket) appropriate to the season in which the inmate is released. 2) A pair of sturdy work boots. 3) A minimum of $50 spending money (in cash) exclusive of the bus or train fare needed to go home. 4) 30 days of Medical Assistance coverage, longer for those with chronic conditions. 5) An exit interview providing the inmate with: a) the day, date and time of his or her release; b) opportunity to notify his or her relative(s) of the impending event; c) the address and telephone number of shelters, soup kitchens, and health care providers in the region into which he or she shall be released; and d) review and advice about eligibility for programs such as Social Security or public assistance.
If the above simple items are not affordable by way of either capital or operating
budget, then the sentence should be reduced accordingly. Said another way,
if we can't afford the "aftercare" as listed above, we can't afford
another prison.