New York Could be Cutting Back

Murray Light wrote a column for Buffalo News on Sunday talking about Eliot L. Spitzer’s desire to create a prison commission in order to study whether New York state could shutdown some facilities due to lack of prison growth. New York is a rare example in the United States because the prison population is actually decreasing. The article cites that in 1999 the prison population was 71,000, now it is 63,000.

The commission would have a tough question to answer because once these facilities have closed it will become that much more difficult to open them again if need be. To close, and then change tactics, like passing stricter drug laws which would increase the prison population, would only create similar problems that other states, like California or Texas, have.

If the prison commission does form, then they need to take a hard look at whether the prisoners have enough room or not. Most states have absurd overcrowding which leads to inmates sleeping on cots in the gym and or floor. Also, if the facilities have a chance to close, but it is clear inmates have not received proper nutrition or medical care, then the extra money should go to assure that they do.

This commission would have a rare chance to truly see the prisons for what they are, and have the ability to recommend a proper plan to fix whatever problems arise. This will not specifically be its job, but the unique opportunity for an outside objective presence inside a prison would be a great way to judge just how effective the New York prison system truly is. The idea is a fantastic one by Spitzer, as long as those studying aim to truly make a change. This commission should not only have the opportunity to declare less jail cells, but also to ask for more medical supplies or staff if needed. If so then this could be another instance where New York’s prison system becomes one of the few shining lights among the national prison industry.