Tough on crime: We must reduce crime, hold Mississippi’s criminal justice system accountable
In recent opinion articles surrounding Mississippi's criminal justice system, there are those who falsely claim that Mississippi “quit locking up bad people.” It’s a simplistic accusation that undermines our entire criminal justice system and jeopardizes data-based reform efforts to reduce crime and create stronger Mississippi communities.
A close examination reveals a more nuanced perspective. By taking an accurate look at Mississippi's incarceration rates and the challenges the state faces we can dispel these misconceptions and shed light on the state's conservative, balanced approach to incarceration while prioritizing public safety.
Mississippi has higher incarceration rates compared to national averages. The easy way out is to simply assert that Mississippians are more prone to criminal activity than other Americans. Historically, the state has faced challenges with poverty, limited educational opportunities, and substance abuse which undoubtedly contribute to higher crime rates. It is crucial to acknowledge these factors while also recognizing the state's commitment to addressing them.
Although Mississippi prisons hold many violent offenders, in 2021, 73% of prison admissions were for drug or other nonviolent crimes. Contrary to what recent opinion pieces have pointed out, the prison population in Mississippi is on the rise. As of May 1, 2023, there were 21,616 in MDOC custody.
As one of those other opinion pieces notes, it makes a lot more sense to invest in police officers up front than it does to pay the staggering costs of crime down the road. But this money has to come from somewhere. It costs nearly as much ($21,622) to incarcerate a non-violent offender in MDOC custody as it does to hire a new police officer in Jackson ($30,000). If we can do a better job of figuring out who doesn’t need to be in MDOC custody, then we can hire more police officers to keep us safe from those that very much do need to be in prison.
Today, there is nothing easy about expressing and implementing conservative principles, especially when it comes to criminal justice policy. Mississippi’s legislature understands that a comprehensive approach is necessary to address the root causes of criminal behavior. By acknowledging and tackling underlying issues, the state aims to implement solutions that focus on prevention, rehabilitation, and community support alongside appropriate measures to ensure public safety.
Mississippi's criminal justice system must balance punishment and rehabilitation. Sentencing reforms have been implemented to ensure that individuals receive appropriate, proportional sentences while also providing opportunities for rehabilitation, redemption, and successful reentry. By utilizing diversion programs, drug courts and alternative sentencing options, Mississippi aims to protect public safety, address individual needs and promote positive change.
In my work, I witness Mississippians committed to enacting meaningful criminal justice reforms that prioritize public safety and support victims.
Saving money should not be the primary focus of criminal justice policy, nor should arbitrarily reducing the prison population. However, when the state adopts evidence-based practices and provides support and reentry services to address the underlying causes of criminal behavior, it can lead to lower crime rates, reduced recidivism, lower tax-payer costs, and lower incarceration rates.
By reserving incarceration for those who pose a genuine threat to public safety, Mississippi strives to create a safer environment for its residents. Public safety can be achieved by ensuring that our criminal justice produces results — lower crime rates — while being cost-effective. Investing in law enforcement, community resources and targeting the underlying issues of crime is tough on crime.
The state faces many challenges related to crime, incarceration rates, and high recidivism rates that pre-date Mississippi’s 2014 and 2021 reforms, mislabeled by others as “mis-guided criminal justice reforms.”
Neither are these challenges unique to Mississippi. Since 2020, the nation has seen a rise in violent crime even in many states that did not pass “reforms.” Mississippi’s reform efforts have been guided and focused on public safety, rehabilitation, and community support.
By addressing root causes, striking a balance between punishment and rehabilitation, and implementing evidence-based practices, the state aims to create safer communities while promoting positive change. It is crucial that we dispel misconceptions and recognize Mississippi's commitment to a fair and effective criminal justice system that prioritizes public safety.
— Scott Peyton is Mississippi Director of Right On Crime.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Must reduce crime, hold Mississippi’s criminal justice system accountable
